Moss let go hours after praising Patriots

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. – Just four weeks ago, Randy Moss gushed about returning to Minnesota. He felt fortunate to return to his first team and was looking forward to seeing those purple No. 84 jerseys again. So much for the happy reunion.

After three disappointing losses in four games, Vikings players confirmed Monday that coach Brad Childress informed them during a team meeting that the wide receiver had been let go. The move had not been made official with the league but Moss’ agent, Joel Segal, said he’s been in contact with Minnesota and the delay was “merely a technical …

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. – Just four weeks ago, Randy Moss gushed about returning to Minnesota. He felt fortunate to return to his first team and was looking forward to seeing those purple No. 84 jerseys again. So much for the happy reunion.

After three disappointing losses in four games, Vikings players confirmed Monday that coach Brad Childress informed them during a team meeting that the wide receiver had been let go. The move had not been made official with the league but Moss’ agent, Joel Segal, said he’s been in contact with Minnesota and the delay was “merely a technical thing.”

Vikings officials didn’t respond to messages seeking confirmation.

The NFL Network first reported the struggling Vikings (2-5) had waived the six-time Pro Bowler less than a month after acquiring him from New England for a third-round draft pick. The cut came one day after Moss’ rant following a 28-18 loss the Patriots, during which he was wistful about his days in New England and critical of the Vikings for not taking his game-planning advice.

About an hour before the news came out, Childress took 12 consecutive questions during his regular news conference about Moss.

Moss, fined $25,000 last week for failing to cooperate with the media and make himself regularly available for interviews, stepped to the podium after the game but announced he wouldn’t take any questions. He repeatedly expressed admiration for coach Bill Belichick and his former team and criticized the Vikings for not taking enough of his advice.

Childress didn’t mention the move when he talked to reporters Monday and said Moss was staying in the Boston area for a few days to spend time with family. Asked whether he regretted acquiring Moss, the coach said “not at present.”