This column was supposed to be a quasi-defense of Randy Moss’ actions during the Vikings game Sunday.
I was going to say that, while he didn’t give all the effort in the world on a few interceptions, quaterback Daunte Culpepper’s throws were nowhere near his target and that the criticism bestowed upon him this week was a direct result of the fallout from his “I-play-when-I-want-to- play” comments last year.
Then I read the headlines on the many Twin Cities news and national sports Web sites:
“Moss arrested on felony charge.”
The same man who lost a scholarship to Notre Dame because of a felony, who lost a scholarship to Florida State because he smoked marijuana, was getting in trouble with the law again.
I don’t know if Moss did what he was accused of doing, but there are, apparently, plenty of witnesses.
Allegedly, he tried to make an illegal left turn during rush hour in downtown Minneapolis when a traffic-control agent tried to stop him.
Moss didn’t stop, bumping the female agent along in front of his Lexus for about half a block before finally stopping.
I’m not the smartest person, but I thought only emergency vehicles or heads of state can bend the traffic rules.
I do know that football players don’t fall into that category, no matter how many touchdowns they have in their career.
My point is simple: Randy Moss is an idiot.
Moss used to be my favorite player on the Vikings. When he and the Vikings were tearing up the league in 1998, I would watch the games with eager anticipation for when the Vikings chucked the ball up to him, daring defenses to stop him.
In the aftermath of that season, I made sure to get my purple No. 84 jersey. It was my first Vikings jersey, and I wear it to this day.
Now I’m not so sure I want to wear it out in public any more.
I’m not saying I’m going to stop cheering for the Vikings – I’ve been following this team for too long to give up now.
The Vikings will still occupy most of my Sunday afternoons, and their performance on the weekend will still determine my mood for the first two days of the week.
I am, however, sick of the games Moss plays. I’ve been overly patient with him, I admit. I guess I’ve been jaded by his talent, willing to overlook his past indiscretions.
But now, though, this seems like too much.
Spraying water on an official during a game could have been written off as extreme frustration at the end of a disappointing season.
The many shouting matches on the sidelines could have been seen as – like he said last week – his extremely competitive nature.
But disregarding the orders of a traffic-control agent, then hitting the agent with a Lexus – there is no excuse that Moss can use to cover himself for that.
And if he tries to say he was just being “overly competitive” about his spot in traffic, I’m going to hurl.
Moss has wowed people with his extraordinary talent, and made them shake their heads with his moronic actions.
I’ve been late to realize this, but the Vikings truly are better off without him.
If the Vikings have to play four games or 13 games without Moss this year, I’m not going to fret.
If it leads to a bad season, I can accept that – as long as the Vikings beat the Packers at least once.
I am ready for life without Randy Moss, no matter when that life begins or how long it lasts.
I just need to remember to buy a Jim Kleinsasser jersey.