Linval Joseph Shot: Vikings Release Statement
Dec 22, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Giants defensive tackle Linval Joseph (97) against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Linval Joseph Shot at Nightclub
With a headline like that, the first thing GMEN HQ would like to point out is that Linval Joseph is okay. That’s if you can be immediately “okay” after being struck by a stray bullet in the calf at a nightclub. In that sense, the term “okay” is relative.
Nevertheless, the former Giants defensive tackle is on the Vikings roster and the organization released at statement about the situation:
"Following last night’s preseason game, Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Linval Joseph was an innocent bystander to the shooting that took place at the 400 SoundBar in downtown Minneapolis. Linval suffered a minor injury during the shooting when a stray bullet struck his calf. He was immediately taken to the hospital where he was treated for his injury and released. He is expected to return to his coaches and teammates this week.The entire Vikings organization is extremely thankful that Linval was not seriously hurt, and our thoughts are with all of the victims of this shooting. The team will defer any further comment to the Minneapolis Police Department during its ongoing investigation."
Linval was not seriously hurt
That’s an important point to note: Linval Joseph shot, but not seriously hurt. Anyone that’s ever been to a hospital might believe it’s a bigger miracle that he was in and out so fast. Have you ever been to an ER? It’s like a mini-vacation we refer to as waiting. Maybe a gun shot speeds up the process a bit.
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Relax, the mirth is in the idea that Linval was not severely hurt. Now, it’s also been reported others were injured in the shooting. GMEN HQ asks, why no mention of them, Vikings? According to news outs like
at KSTP.com:
"Minneapolis police told 5 EYEWITNESS News reporter, Joe Augustine, that nine people were hurt around 1:50 a.m. Saturday, including two with serious injuries.Police say the two with serious injuries were in stable condition Saturday and are expected to survive.Police are still looking for the shooter."
Police are still looking for the shooter
Wait… what? No mention by the Vikings that the shooter is still on the loose? Perhaps it’s not their responsibility to mention the details. Or to make a statement on the wounded citizens in their community ‘immediately’ that aren’t in their club, but it seems odd.
On the football side of things, Linval Josesph was a Giant. My collegue @Adam Ganeles had this to say about Linval’s days in Giants BLUE:
"Linval Joseph was very good player, but unspectacular. And in Giants Nation, he will certainly be missed. Especially since on paper, they’re replacing him with young talent and unproven players that don’t seem like they supply quite the comfort level that Joseph’s presence and eyeball test gave fans on game day."
"Overal, Linvall was well-rounded in run D and occasionally flashed rushing the QB. It’s true, the Giants could have used franchise tag on him, but that’s not their style for many players no matter their draft slot. In Minnesota, LJ got paid, 5-years 31.5 million, 12.5 guaranteed. It’s good to hear that he’ll be okay and able to give his leg top dollar medical attention. Best wishes to Mr. Joseph and his family. Go Giants."
Thanks for that, Adam. In the NFL, off the field incidents happen. It’s unfortunate that some human shot up a nightclub in Minnesota and that he’s still on the loose. Even in places like Minnesota, America enforces quality Police Officers that we’re sure are on the hunt for the shooter. Good luck to their efforts and the health and restoration to those that suffered in this incident.
Giants Nation, Linval Joseph isn’t on Twitter that I can find, so in that case, send your “sentiments” and “well thoughts” to @Vikings to show your support. That said, despite this incident of violence, it’s still game day.