The potential new owner of the Minnesota Vikings was caught by the Minneapolis Star-Tribune puffing up his official biography presented to the assembled media yesterday:
In his official biography, distributed Monday by his Twin Cities public relations firm, Reggie Fowler declared that he played in the Little League World Series, implied that he earned a business administration and finance degree from the University of Wyoming and said that he played for the Cincinnati Bengals of the NFL and the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League.In a nutshell Fowler didn't play in the Little League World Series, never played a down in the NFL (he was a non roster invitee to a couple NFL training camps and was cut each time), and didn't get a business degree.According to officials with all of the sports organizations and official records at the NFL, CFL and University of Wyoming, none of those claims is exactly true.
From a quick read of the press release bio [PDF], it looks like he never actually received a Masters degree from ASU either, since he is only noted as enrolling in the program.
Several college coaches have lost their jobs due to biography padding.
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Comments (14)
But his play in the LLWS is... (Below threshold)1. Posted by McGehee | February 16, 2005 2:11 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
But his play in the LLWS is seared -- seared! -- into his memory!
1. Posted by McGehee | February 16, 2005 2:11 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 16, 2005 14:11
2. Posted by NeilS | February 16, 2005 2:15 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Is his money green?
2. Posted by NeilS | February 16, 2005 2:15 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 16, 2005 14:15
3. Posted by Old Coot | February 16, 2005 2:19 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Sounds like another racist attack; expect the Reverend Jackson to weigh in very soon (heavily pushing on the sarcasm button).
3. Posted by Old Coot | February 16, 2005 2:19 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 16, 2005 14:19
4. Posted by OneDrummer | February 16, 2005 2:21 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Of course, the same folks who brought you discrimination charges 'cuz a cop ate a banana will now claim racism is the reason for vetting his ass....
Wonders if the guy has ever lied on any banking/lending applications in his businesses... can you spell fraud? The other owners won't accept this...
4. Posted by OneDrummer | February 16, 2005 2:21 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 16, 2005 14:21
5. Posted by Big Bang Hunter | February 16, 2005 3:05 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
- From the amount he's reportedly paying for the team its pretty obvious this isn't pocket change from him personally. thee has to be an org. behind him....
- Gussying up a bio seems pretty dumbass on several levels... Maybe the intent was to begin the creation of the "First black owner legend"....
- Since when do you need an impressive bio to be an owner anyway... Money is money.... dumb and dumberer.....
5. Posted by Big Bang Hunter | February 16, 2005 3:05 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 16, 2005 15:05
6. Posted by Todd Pearson | February 16, 2005 3:13 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I am experiencing Tom Clancy deja vu.
6. Posted by Todd Pearson | February 16, 2005 3:13 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 16, 2005 15:13
7. Posted by Tropean | February 16, 2005 3:24 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
"Presidential Accomodation"???
Isn't that what Clinton did for Marc Rich?
Maybe she was thinking "Presidential Commendation"? In which case that would be check-able, too, no?
That's one of the worst press releases I have ever seen. Even more shocking is that the uber image-conscious NFL would let it go out without reviewing it for substance or style.
A fumble on the opening kickoff for sure.
7. Posted by Tropean | February 16, 2005 3:24 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 16, 2005 15:24
8. Posted by DBub | February 16, 2005 3:37 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Mr. Fowler does seem to be a bit of a mystery. He lives and apparently ownes several businesses in my hometown and I had not heard of him until his bid to buy the Vikes came in.
8. Posted by DBub | February 16, 2005 3:37 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 16, 2005 15:37
9. Posted by DrSteve | February 16, 2005 4:00 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
The guy's looking to be an owner, people. My guess is he's playing up the scum factor just to fit in (Irsay, Bud Adams, etc. are still out of his league, btw).
9. Posted by DrSteve | February 16, 2005 4:00 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 16, 2005 16:00
10. Posted by Rightwingsparkle | February 16, 2005 4:41 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Dishonesty in the NFL!!!! I am shocked!!!
10. Posted by Rightwingsparkle | February 16, 2005 4:41 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 16, 2005 16:41
11. Posted by Justin B | February 16, 2005 5:27 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
As long as his plan includes finding a way to move the Vikes to Phoenix and get rid of the damned Cardinals, I am ok with a little lying.
11. Posted by Justin B | February 16, 2005 5:27 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 16, 2005 17:27
12. Posted by Pat Curley | February 16, 2005 6:41 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
A friend of mine who's a banker says he looked at financing some of Fowler's car washes a year or so ago and the financial statement he saw reflected a net worth far below what Fowler's claiming now as well ($120 million versus $400 million).
12. Posted by Pat Curley | February 16, 2005 6:41 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 16, 2005 18:41
13. Posted by McGehee | February 16, 2005 8:17 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Hmmm. "Arizona Vikings."
Makes more sense than the Utah Jazz, I guess...
13. Posted by McGehee | February 16, 2005 8:17 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 16, 2005 20:17
14. Posted by triticale | February 17, 2005 7:36 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Hmmm. "Arizona Vikings."
Oh yes. I can see them charging across the London Bridge in horned helmets, waving iron swords and battleaxes...
There is at least evidence a pre-Columbian expedition passed thru Minnesota, having no impact on the state's history.
14. Posted by triticale | February 17, 2005 7:36 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 17, 2005 07:36