Fowler close to becoming NFL’s first black owner

MINNEAPOLIS – The Minnesota Vikings are on the verge of being sold in a deal that would transfer the franchise from Red McCombs to the NFL’s first black owner, Arizona businessman Reggie Fowler, according to several media reports.

Phoenix radio station XTRA-AM first reported Sunday that Fowler had reached an agreement to buy the team for $625 million and an announcement would be made today at the team’s headquarters.

Vikings spokesman Bob Hagan said Sunday night he knew of no plans for an announcement. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello didn’t immediately return a call seeking comment.

The agreement was also reported on ESPN.com, KSTP-TV in the Twin Cities, and the Star Tribune’s Web site.