Down Goes the Dome

The last time I made a prediction about the Minnesota Vikings, I thankfully was wrong. I predicted EJ Henderson would never play again, or at least never near the level at which he did prior to his serious leg injury last year.

Hopefully, I will improve to 1-for-2 with this one: The latest collapse of the Metrodome roof, sagging ever so near Mall of America Field, will be one day remembered as the turning point in the Vikings getting a new stadium.

Actually, I could get this prediction right and regret it. That is, it could be known as a "turning point" in the Vikings getting their stadium in LA or some other metropolis suitor. For some day, people may remember that the politicians of Minnesota thumbed their figurative noses at the franchise even after proof was given to those not sharp enough to already realize that the Vikings played in one of about three of the worst professional sports venues in the country.

In 1998, when then-governor-elect Jesse Ventura, said that Minnesota did not need a new stadium, he was spot on for two reasons. One was because then-owner Red McCombs was able to secure the team at such a bargain price because of the lack of a top-notch stadium.

The other reason was, to quote Jesse from memory, because we don't tear down schools after 16 years, referring to the Humpty Dump's age at the time. No, we don't, but now it's been 28 years, and we would tear down a 28-year-old school building that was this embarrassing.

Or at least should.