Column: Jon Laging, Talking Sports

It was said by Edmund Burke, British philosopher, “Those who don’t know history are destined to repeat it.” So according to Burke, one can learn from history. I think the Vikings learned that they shouldn’t try to talk Brett Favre into coming back one more year. Another lesson is not quite so easy. Did the Twins learn what is needed to defeat the Yankees? I’m not so sure. But we have to try to learn from the past, for what else do we have to base our future actions on?

The Timberwolves had a bad year. There is no other way to describe it. After trading Al Jefferson, the player they got for Kevin Garnett, the Wolves continued in a rebuilding mode. The year was mostly composed of trades, free agent signings, etc. It started to look like the Timberwolves were the Kansas City Royals of the NBA. Constantly rebuilding, but getting nowhere.

The Minnesota football Gophers hit rock bottom, losing to South Dakota State University. Not to dis SDSU, but “My Word!” The U finally recognized that Tim Brewster was overmatched, fired him and appointed an interim coach who proceeded to lead the Gophers to victories over Illinois and Iowa. No mean feat. But Athletic Director Joel Maturi hired an outside coach in Jerry Kill, who has made a good initial impression and will be given an opportunity to right the ship.

The Minnesota Gopher basketball team had a decent year. When you are invited to the NCAA tournament that indicates success. I was surprised they got the invitation and I think if the head coach was named John Smith instead of Tubby Smith they would not have gone. The team lost Damian Johnson, but things look good for 2011.

Our Minnesota Vikings were a show unto themselves. What a soap opera! Our expectations were high as many felt the Vikes were the NFL’s best team in 2009. As 2010 opened Favre was convinced to come back for one more year by his teammates. What a mistake!

The alleged sexting by Favre, his inefficiency at quarterback, his injuries, the hiring of Randy Moss, the firing of Randy Moss, the firing of Brad Childress led to a last place finish in the North Central Division. Favre had a huge impact on Childress’s life, indirectly leading to his dismissal, but also to his 28 million dollar contract. A most unusual year and certainly a study in what not to do.

The Minnesota Twins despite their disappearance in the playoffs had the best 2010 of any Minnesota team. They opened their new stadium to almost universal approval. A beautiful building that drew raves from all who saw it. It is considered one of the top three stadiums in the majors.

The Twins played up to the stadium and Manager of the Year Ron Gardenhire took a somewhat flawed team to the Central Division championship. Justin Morneau’s concussion scared us and discussion of his injury grew from, “I wonder when he’ll be back” to “I hope he will be all right.” It appears he will be OK as will the Twins for 2011.

In conclusion there was good and bad for Minnesota teams as there is every year and there is no reason not to look forward to 2011.