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.
The scene of the crash at 26th Avenue North and Emerson Avenue North in Minneapolis. (FOX 9)
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – A Minneapolis woman was sentenced for her role in a deadly crash that killed two women and injured two other people in December 2024.
READ MORE: Minneapolis woman charged in fatal high-speed crash faces additional charges
Woman sentenced in fatal Minneapolis crash
Big picture view:
Prosecutors say Teniki Steward drove a Buick Enclave into a bus shelter and a Ford Explorer after speeding through a red light.
Both of the women in the Ford Explorer died in the crash. They were identified as 53-year-old Ester Jean Fulks and 57-year-old Rose Elaine Reece.
During the crash, the Ford Explorer went off the road, injuring a 17-year-old boy who was waiting for a school bus.
The passenger in Steward’s vehicle also suffered injuries.
Minneapolis police said that Steward was also injured in the crash.
Steward pleaded guilty to multiple murder charges.
What they’re saying:
During the sentencing, the daughter of one of the victims had a statement read on her behalf:
“There’s nothing that can truly prepare you for the moment your entire world is taken from you. Losing my mom has left a pain in my heart that words will never be able to explain.”
What’s next:
Minnesota law requires that Steward serves at least two-thirds of her sentence, a bit under eight-and-a-half years, in prison.
Fatal Emerson and 26th crash
The backstory:
According to the criminal complaint, through surveillance videos from the scene of the crash and witnesses, investigators learned that Steward, driving the Buick Enclave, had been driving at a high rate of speed northbound on Emerson Avenue North.
Before the fatal crash, Steward sped through the intersection of Emerson Avenue North and Broadway Avenue North, running a red light and nearly causing a crash, the charges said.
Steward then continued to speed northbound down Emerson Avenue North, and ran another red light at 26th Avenue North, hitting the Ford Explorer, which was traveling eastbound, according to the complaint.
The Ford Explorer had been at the intersection of Emerson and 26th on a green light.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty shared the following statement:
“This was an egregious act that took Rose and Esther’s lives and injured a child waiting to go to school at a bus stop. Ms. Steward was driving at extremely dangerous speeds on city streets and narrowly avoided multiple collisions before the incident occurred. Third-degree murder charges are appropriate to hold her accountable and protect our community.”
The Source: This story uses information gathered from an Olmsted County court appearance and previous FOX 9 reporting.
A motorcyclist is dead after an early morning crash in Minneapolis Friday morning.
The Minnesota State Patrol said that at 1:20 a.m., a Suzuki Motorcycle going north on I-35W at Johnson Street hit the left side of the median guard rail.
The motorcycle continued north for about another quarter mile before coming to a rest on the right-hand side.
State Patrol said the rider came to rest on the left shoulder. He was later identified as 21-year-old Andrew James Neuberger.
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – The Rochester Spartans boys volleyball team played its second game on consecutive nights. The Spartans beat Minneapolis Camden 3-0.
Rochester’s next game will be Tuesday, April 21, at St. Anthony Village at 7:00 p.m.
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