Play for the Vikings? Are you kidding me?

HOW BAD are the Minnesota Vikings?

Well . . . Tori Gurley, a rookie wide receiver on the Packers practice squad had an opportunity to sign with the 2-11 Vikes and make his NFL debut Sunday against the Saints.

And . . . he turned it down.

"Their season is going to be over with in 3 weeks," Gurley told the Associated Press. "We're already locked to have a playoff spot. I'm all about winning a Super Bowl, so if that's me being a practice-squad player to help the defense out, or me getting out there on the field and doing whatever I have to do, I just want to be a part of something special."

The 13-0 Packers don't have a roster spot to offer Gurley, but they did find a meaningful way to show they appreciated his loyalty: They gave him a raise.

According to a report out of Lakeville, Minn., 52-year-old Steve Wilson was arrested for allegedly punching his eighth-grade son in the face after the boy's team lost a game in a basketball tournament.

MyFoxtwincities.com reported that other parents had to intervene.

Wilson spent a night in jail, posted bond and was charged with fifth-degree domestic assault. If found guilty he may serve up to 90 days in jail and be fined $3,000.

We can only hope that's enough to deter this creep from further abusing his son.

Episcopal Academy rowers James Konopka and Nick Mead weren't looking for recognition when they stopped to help competitors in a capsized St. Joseph's Prep boat during a race in October, thereby forfeiting any chance of winning.

But yesterday they found out the incident was voted one of Liberty Mutual's "Top Ten Responsible Sports Moments."

According to Liberty Mutual, which will donate $1,000 to Episcopal's athletic department, there were almost 100 nominations for the award.

Konopka and Mead, who proudly finished last in that race, got something much more valuable: The satisfaction of knowing they did the right thing.