In a series of text messages to USA Today, former Vikings wide receiver Mike Wallace said he didn't intend to criticize quarterback Teddy Bridgewater with his comments during the press conference where he was introduced by the Baltimore Ravens.
USA Today's Tom Pelissero quoted a text message from Wallace saying: "I loved my coaches and teammates in Minnesota. I would never say anything negative about Teddy – that's my guy beyond football. I already talked to Teddy. We are A1."
During a press conference on Tuesday, Wallace described his exit from Minnesota this way: "When this process started, I knew that I wasn't going back to Minnesota. I was like, 'I need a good quarterback.' ...I need a quarterback who I know is proven and can get things done."
The texts came when Wallace was asked Wednesday to clarify his remarks, according to the USA Today story.
Wallace also texted: "I love Teddy like a brother and I will still hang out with him. Just because we (are) not on the same team doesn't mean the love isn't there. It's bigger than the game of football."
Pelissero's story described the texts as "lightly edited for publication." You can read his full report here.
Meanwhile, a startribune.com poll asking readers how they will remember Wallace's year in Minnesota attracted 1,548 responses as of 7 a.m. Thursday. With 55 percent, the most popular response was: "What number did Mike Wallace wear?"
