Exclusive Interview with Former Vikings AGM
By "Peter King"

Off-Season 2109 (Cambridge, MN) - 'I never imagined it'd go down like this,' stated a tired looking Mark Thul. Just twenty-four hours after being informed that his services were no longer required in the Vikings organization, I sat down to get his side of the story.

'Things were great. What a dream come true to be working for the team you grew up watching. Helping them to reestablish their glory,' started Thul. 'But I guess I made myself a bit too visible, and rumors were starting to fester.'

Nearly a year ago, the Viking's AGM won the Garritt Grandberg Spirit Award, one of the highest honors given in the USAFL. It seems everything went downhill from there.

'Well, a lot of people weren't too happy when Lou decided to tear things apart and started building again,' said Vikings quarterback Ravin Hass. 'It was a necessary move that I supported, but there were those in the media who felt a more aggressive approach was required. And with Thul winning that award, some latched on to him as the answer.'

During his stay as Vikings AGM, Thul had played a role in everything including researching and conducting team drafts, targeting and making offers to free agents, conducting training camps, and setting depth charts. While tackling these duties, he also found time to research and write the now controversial article, '2nd 50.'

'I really thought I was doing what I needed to do to make myself valuable to the organization. I thought the info I gathered would lead to more team success rather than me having to scour executive toilets,' sighed Thul. 'But everyone knows how politics rule the day. I was becoming a big distraction.'

When asked about his mentor, Minnesota GM Lou Lombardo, and how their relationship will procede, Thul commented, 'Well, I guess there aren't a lot of hard feelings. I know why he made this move, even if I don't like it, and I'll admit he is largely responsible for the manager I am today. I took a lot from him. I just hope he doesn't check the petty cash drawer too soon...heh...uh, you're not going to print that, are you?'

Still, the future is bright for this young executive. While he wouldn't go into any specifics, Thul indicated that a couple of teams have offered positions to him already.

'I'll land on my feet. I'll always have a place in my heart for my beloved Vikings, but they'll have to move to the side for whatever team is moving in.'