6th in NASCAR history. Series matriarch Anne Bledsoe France was honoured w

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minnesota Vikings and former punter Chris Kluwe said Tuesday they reached a settlement averting a lawsuit over Kluwes claim that the team wrongfully released him last year because of his outspoken support for same-sex marriage rights. Bob Uecker Jersey . Under the deal, the Vikings will donate an undisclosed sum of money to five gay rights-related charities over the next five years. Kluwe said he wont receive any money as part of the settlement. "This will help a lot of people that really do need that help," Kluwe said. He said he was convinced the Vikings and owners Zygi and Mark Wilf were committed to the cause, and committed to being leaders on this issue in the NFL. "They want to make this a reality where there is no discrimination in sports, there is no homophobia," Kluwe said at a news conference. The Vikings said in a statement that the deal resolves all issues related to Kluwes departure from the team and his accusations that a coach made anti-gay comments. Zygi Wilf said he wished Kluwe the best. "In regards to this matter, our focus remains on maintaining a culture of tolerance, inclusion and respect, and creating the best workplace environment for our players, coaches and staff," Wilf said in the statement. Under the settlement, the Vikings also agreed to require all team employees to undergo sensitivity training four times a year. The team will also host a national symposium in Minneapolis next spring that will address LGBT issues and professional athletics, said Kluwes attorney, Clayton Halunen. In addition to his wrongful termination claim, Kluwe alleged that special teams co-ordinator Mike Priefer made anti-gay comments and tried to agitate him with homophobic language. Last month, the team issued a 29-page summary of a report that found no merit to Kluwes claim that he was wrongfully dismissed, but it confirmed that Priefer made anti-gay remarks during practice. The Vikings suspended Priefer for three games and ordered him to undergo sensitivity training. Kluwe threatened to sue the team if it didnt release the full 150-page report, but Halunen said Tuesday that the Vikings had done a thorough investigation into Kluwes allegations. Halunen said he and Kluwe had initially pushed for the reports release out of concern that there may have been a systemic problem within the organization, but they viewed the full report as part of mediation and are satisfied there are no widespread issues. Halunen identified two of the five nonprofits as the Matthew Shepard Foundation and You Can Play, a charity run by retired NFL player Wade Davis, who is gay. Both focus on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues. He did not disclose the names of the other charities, saying they hadnt been notified yet. He said the financial terms werent disclosed due to a confidentiality agreement, adding: "This is a substantial commitment to LGBT causes." Kluwe averaged 44.4 yards per punt over his eight-season career in Minnesota, including a career-high 39.7 yard net average in 2012. But he ranked just 17th in the NFL in punting that season before he was cut. He hasnt gotten a kicking job elsewhere since his release. He said Tuesday he is considering writing a book and pursuing public speaking opportunities. Kluwe said taking a stand was worth it. "Its always worth it," he said. "You have a childrens game, and you have basic human rights. And theres one of those Im always going to value more than the other." Jeff Burroughs Braves Jersey . The Cottagers last victory came in a 2-1 home win over West Ham when Rene Meulensteen was still in charge. Since then, a miserable run of seven defeats and two draws has seen the club part with the Dutch coach and replace him with German Felix Magath. Chad Sobotka Braves Jersey . - Chicago Bears general manager Phil Emery was so busy in free agency he didnt mind having a few extra weeks to prepare for the draft. https://www.cheapbraves.com/1483o-sonny-jackson-jersey-braves.html .ca. Kerry, In Mondays Habs/Bruins game, there were three questionable/brutal calls against the Habs late in the game - Tomas Plekanec, then Douglas Murray, then Brendan Gallagher.CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Wendell Scott has been elected to the NASCAR Hall of Fame as voters honoured the sports first black driver to win a race in whats now the Sprint Cup series. Also honoured Wednesday were one of NASCARs most popular champions, Bill Elliott, along with two-time series champ Joe Weatherly, 1960 champion Rex White and 26-time race winner Fred Lorenzen. Scott competed in NASCARs top series from 1961-73. Atlanta Braves Gear. . He won his only race at Speedway Park in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1963, winning the 100-mile feature after starting 15th. Scott started 495 Sprint Cup events and had a 147 top 10 finishes. Elliott was the 1988 Sprint Cup champion and his 44 race victories rank 16th in NASCAR history. Series matriarch Anne Bledsoe France was honoured with the inaugural Landmark Award. ' ' '