National Football League

Wilf talks to players about Moss move

Published Nov. 3, 2010 1:00 a.m. ET

Alex Marvez

Minnesota Vikings owner Zygi Wilf visited team headquarters Wednesday and addressed players about the release of wide receiver Randy Moss, two sources told FOXSports.com.

Wilf apologized for the distraction caused by the situation but also was positive about the chance Minnesota has to salvage a crumbling season. Wilf pointed out that the Vikings (2-5) aren’t far behind Green Bay (5-3) in the NFC North standings. The Vikings, who lost to Green Bay 10 days ago, will have a chance for revenge Nov. 21 in a rematch at the Metrodome.

Wilf didn’t address the future of head coach Brad Childress. A source told FOXSports.com that Wilf was infuriated that Childress decided to release Moss without speaking to him about the decision.

Wilf has yet to speak publicly about the Moss release. In hopes of kick-starting his team’s sputtering offense, Wilf heavily pushed Minnesota’s front office to acquire Moss from New England last month for a 2011 third-round draft choice.

Because of his ability to draw double teams, Moss helped improve the production of wide receiver Percy Harvin and running back Adrian Peterson during his four games in Minnesota. However, Moss angered Childress with comments critical of Minnesota’s coaching and a sour off-field attitude.

Moss was claimed on waivers Wednesday by Tennessee.

Combined with the struggles of a preseason Super Bowl favorite, the public opinion toward Childress is overwhelmingly negative in the Twin Cities following the Moss release. That could very well play a role in Childress’ job security, as the franchise likely will soon be seeking voter support for funding for a new stadium. Childress is under contract through 2013 after being awarded an extension during the 2009 season.