Kluwe saga over: Vikings reinstate special teams coach

Minnesota Vikings special teams coordinator Mike Priefer's suspension ends Monday.

The team announced the decision Sunday night, cutting Priefer's ban from three games to two under terms of the punishment it announced in July for a homophobic remark Priefer made in the presence of former punter Chris Kluwe during the 2012 season.

"The decision by Vikings ownership follows extensive conversations with the independent professional consultants retained to conduct individualized anti-harassment, diversity and sexual orientation training with Coach Priefer," the team said in a statement Sunday night.

"Those consultants have conveyed to the team that Coach Priefer was fully and thoughtfully engaged throughout the process and successfully completed the program."

Kluwe claimed in a Deadspin.com post in January that he was cut for his activism in support of same-sex marriage. He and the Vikings reached a settlement last month that included the team making donations to LGBT charities.

Interim special teams coach Joe Marciano ran things in Priefer's absence. The field-goal team had a huge error Sunday, when tackle Matt Kalil allowed New England end Chandler Jones to block a field goal, scoop the ball and race 58 yards for a momentum-swinging touchdown before halftime in a 30-7 Patriots blowout.

Follow Tom Pelissero on Twitter @TomPelissero.