Birk Guarntee my $$ and I'll play.

[bucketmouth64]

Birk has said I'll play hurt if you guarantee my 3.9 million or so next season. As much as I like Birk, if I was Wilf/Tice I would say you are going on IR and be done for the season. He hasn't done anything yet so Vikes should start the chemistry with Withrow/Goldberg and pick up a free agent. Then next draft pick up a center. Birk is a warrior, but there is no guarantee he can make it thru the season without getting hurt each game. Which can disrupt the flow of the game. It is his own fault he came back too early from the hernia surgerys. He admits this. He said he will take whatever drugs/shots it takes to play thru the season. Then have the surgery during the off season. Then we are back to where we are now...needing time to heal. Plus by playing he could have worsened the problem or developed another problem. Even if he does play and vikes guarantee his money no one knows if he could pass the team physical next season. Then Vikes are on the hook for the money if he fails. Birk could be another Bo Jackson in the making. Birk needs to look at the long term future of his health. I think he would want to walk when he is 40-50 years old. Get the surgery and take the whole season to heal properly and comeback next season and have another

pro-bowl season.

[fishyguy]

Agreed....Wilf just can't set a precedent for this type of contract negotiation. I don't blame Birk but it wouldn't be a good move for the Vikes.

[IFallsRon]

I think Birk is making a good decision. No discussion.

[james_walleye]

Birk is watching out for his own career, we all would do the same thing.

[Down to Earth]

This from Fanball.

Vikings: Birk opts to undergo surgery

THE NEWS

The agent for Vikings center Matt Birk is making arrangements for his client to undergo hip surgery after the Vikings turned down Birk's request to guarantee his 2006 salary in exchange for playing injured this season, reports the Star Tribune. The surgery may end his season, but the team won't put him on Injured Reserve right now in hopes that he can play at the end of the season. "Matt's feeling is that this is a lose-lose for everyone," agent Joe Linta told the paper. "But that's the way it goes." The surgery is expected to take place next week.

[rundrave]

I am glad the vikes turned down the request. Them giving in, would open a flood gates for all the other head cases around the league like T.O. to come out and start crying like babies. Saying they wont play hurt or continue to play hurt and all that garbage.

I have a lot respect for birk knowing he is a stand up guy, hopefully we might see him come back by end of season.

[Kodiak]

i still do not understand why he had to have 3 surgeries in a year...the scar tissue will probally be the issue next with him.