Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis agent Blake Baratz talks NFL free agency, Aaron Rodgers rumors
The Minnesota Vikings’ roster is taking shape after a flurry of signings during NFL free agency.
What’s it like to work behind the scenes during one of the busiest weeks of the football calendar?
Blake Baratz working the phones in his downtown Minneapolis office might bring to mind the 1990s Tom Cruise vehicle “Jerry Maguire.”
“Free agency is always chaotic, but it’s like an organized chaos,” Baratz said.
He started Team IFA, which represents about 60 NFL and college football players.
NFL teams officially started signing free agents last week. But Baratz says he talks all year with teams to become familiar with their needs and what they think of his clients.
He says negotiating deals is like solving a jigsaw puzzle.
“Where do we think salary cap cuts will be made? What teams are the best fit and scheme?” Baratz said. “Every client has a different priority list. Some guys want to make the most amount of money. Some guys want to win.”
Baratz helped Jonathan Allen get both, in becoming one of the Vikings’ new, big-money signings. Fans can expect to love the defensive lineman.
“He’s just a great dude. He’s an old soul, extremely mature, he’s competitive, he’s a great teammate, he’s selfless. He’s a dog on the field,” Baratz said.
Baratz compares Allen’s attitude and professionalism to another one of his clients: former Vikings receiver Adam Thielen.
“He fits in really well culture-wise. They’ve got a lot of good guys in that locker room,” Baratz said.
WCCO had to ask Baratz about the speculation surrounding Aaron Rodgers and the Vikings.
“I don’t know if I would bet on it, but there’s a chance honestly,” He said.
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey signed a new ordinance that carries a ban on assault weapons but won’t take effect unless there are major changes to state law.
Minneapolis gun ban ordinance signed
What we know:
The Minneapolis City Council approved the ordinance during its meeting last week.
The firearm regulations ordinance includes a ban on assault weapons, ghost guns, binary triggers, and high-capacity magazines. The ordinance also includes safe storage provisions for firearms.
Big picture view:
Many of the provisions in the law won’t go into effect unless there is a change in state law. Currently, Minnesota law prevents municipalities from enacting gun regulations.
Minnesota law only allows cities to bar the discharge of firearms within city limits and adopt regulations that are identical to state laws. Any regulations that go beyond state law are voided, according to state statute.
Local perspective:
Action on the gun ordinance was spurred by last year’s shooting at Annunciation Church and School. Two students were killed while attending morning mass at the church and more than two dozen students and parishioners were hurt in the barrage of gunfire.
Last week, parents of Annunciation students spoke out in support of the ordinance at a public hearing.
Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus threatens lawsuit
The other side:
Last year, St. Paul passed a similar law. The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus filed a lawsuit shortly after the ordinance was signed. Arguments were heard last month on the case and a judge has set a trial for next year.
In a statement last week, the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus said it was evaluating its legal options in Minneapolis.
Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus Chair Bryan Strawser said:
“The City of Minneapolis is attempting to make a political statement with an ordinance it has no legal authority to enact. Minnesota law clearly preempts the entire field of firearms regulation, and local governments cannot simply ignore state statute because they dislike the policy outcome.
“If the City Council moves forward with this unlawful ordinance, we will evaluate every available legal option to challenge it, just as we did in Saint Paul.
“The law is not optional, even for Minneapolis.”
A man was hurt in a shooting in south Minneapolis late Tuesday night, according to police.
A report of shots fired brought officers to the 2600 block of Third Avenue South around 9:50 p.m., the Minneapolis Police Department said. They found evidence of gunfire and began investigating.
Later, a man with survivable gunshot wounds showed up at Hennepin Healthcare.
No one has been arrested.
-
Delaware3 minutes agoHistory of Delaware outdoor track and field state championships
-
Florida9 minutes agoLake O had 81 algal blooms in 2 years near Florida slaughterhouse site
-
Georgia15 minutes agoGeorgia Power proposal comes as summer cooling costs are expected to rise
-
Hawaii21 minutes agoTourist accused of hurling rock at endangered Hawaii monk seal’s head is arrested by federal agents
-
Idaho27 minutes agoIdaho silversmiths craft wearable works of art inspired by the West
-
Illinois33 minutes agoHost of new Illinois laws would target various parts of the AI industry
-
Indiana39 minutes agoIndiana A.G. finishes Karl King Tower investigation, finalizes compliance order
-
Iowa45 minutes ago
Democrats will debate in Iowa US Senate primary shaped by outside money and big-name endorsements
