Report: 'Ragnar' seeking $20K per game from Vikings over 10 years
A conflict over money may have led to the Minnesota Vikings' decision to part ways with longtime mascot "Ragnar the Viking."
Joe Juranitch, the Minnesota native who has dressed as Ragnar since 1994, posted a photo on Facebook Sunday of himself watching the Vikings' home opener on TV.
The photo was accompanied by the message, "It doesn't feel right sitting at home. This is not by my choice...I don't make those decisions..At this point it was made for me. I miss all my fans and your support ...let's all stay positive as we move forward."
The Vikings confirmed Monday that their contract with Juranitch expired during the offseason and the sides have been unable to reach an agreement on his role with the team.
Juranitch was seeking $20,000 per game over the next 10 years, a person with direct knowledge of the discussions told Jon Krawczynski of The Associated Press, an amount that would equal $1.6 million over the life of the contract. He made $1,500 per game last season as an independent contractor.
Fans of Ragnar have started an online petition to convince the Vikings to bring him back. As of Tuesday morning, it has over 9,700 signatures.