Vikes almost fired Tice to spark Moss, instead traded him

[Mean Papi Green]

McCombs said he considered firing Tice

Associated Press

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Minnesota Vikings owner Red McCombs says he nearly fired coach Mike Tice late last season in an effort to get more out of star receiver Randy Moss.

McCombs made his first public comments Thursday since the team traded Moss to the Oakland Raiders.

McCombs said he was so desperate to "get a spark out of Randy" that he considered firing Tice just before Moss returned from a hamstring injury.

He thought making such a move would shake up the team and motivate its star player.

In Moss' seven years with the team, McCombs said the team tried everything to get the most out the talented but combustible player, but failed.

So McCombs decided to ship Moss to the Raiders, who seem to be a perfect fit.

When asked about it, Tice joked that he contemplated quitting so he felt he and McCombs were even.

In exchange for Moss, the Vikings receive linebacker Napoleon Harris, the No. 7 pick in April's NFL draft and a late-round pick.

[spjets]

i dont think that wouldve made MOSS move his ass any quicker ..

[StillerPaul]

Now it's the Raiders turn to try and straighten his a$$ out. I feel sorry for Moss in ways, the guy has unlimited talent yet wastes it away so often. If he ever gets his head out of his a$$ he'll be scary, but i really don't think it'll ever happen.