Trade Speculation Starts After Vikings’ Stefon Diggs Is Fined $200,000 For Unexcused Absences From Practices

by Brandon GitteOctober 7, 2019, 4:53 pmDaily Digest, News >

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs was fined over $200,000 for unexcused absences from practices and meetings this week.

Diggs missed all team meetings last Monday and Wednesday, as well as two practices. However, still played in the Vikings’ 28-10 victory over the New York Giants on Sunday.

Due to Diggs’ actions, many teams have been asking about his availability before the Oct. 29 trade deadline, but the Vikings claim they are not accepting any offers for their star receiver. Some teams believe that — if given a strong enough offer — Minnesota could be convinced otherwise, but they acknowledge it would take “an offer they can’t refuse.”

Diggs has always claimed to act like a team-first player and not a distraction, although his recent actions clearly suggest otherwise. Opposing teams definitely hope a change of scenery can help move Diggs permanently towards a team-player attitude, rather than keep missing practices for no good reason. The Vikings would be much more willing to part ways with Diggs through trade next offseason, but not during the season.

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After his 44-yard, three-catch performance against the Giants in Week five, Diggs kept up his supportive nature for his team, citing the importance of the win and downplaying his modest performance and lack of targets. The wideout was asked by reporters at one point if he still wanted to be with the Vikings, to which he simply replied, “yeah, I want to be in Minnesota.”

The Vikings hope to not have any more unnecessary issues with Diggs as the trade deadline rolls around. A few more missed practices and team misconducts and the team might be forced to move him in the coming weeks despite their wishes. The Vikings will look to attain a winning streak with a hopefully less-disgruntled Diggs leading the way as they face the Philadelphia Eagles at home next week.