National Football League

Report: Several Vikings rip Childress

Published Nov. 10, 2010 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

A number of Minnesota Vikings players have made scathing remarks about coach Brad Childress, claiming the team is no longer playing to win for him but for themselves, the Chicago Sun-Times reported Wednesday.

The newspaper quoted players and Vikings sources on the condition of anonymity, and one player said: "We know that Childress doesn't have our backs, so why should we have his? We're playing for us, and we're winning despite him."

Another added: "As much as I hate Childress, I will keep playing."

A team source is also quoted as saying: "[Childress] has absolutely no people skills."

Childress has come under fire for publicly questioning the efforts of his own players, including quarterback Brett Favre.

Favre had a career-high 446 yards passing last weekend, leading Minnesota to a crucial overtime victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Had the Vikings lost, many believe Childress would have been shown the door.

Childress was also widely criticized for his decision to release Randy Moss last week without consulting team management. The move followed the wide receiver's questioning of the Vikings' tactics after a loss to his former team, the New England Patriots.

On Friday, Childress again made headlines, this time over a heated argument with wide receiver Percy Harvin. It was reported the argument stemmed from Childress questioning Harvin's effort during practice.