Bearing with Bernard Berrian

Vikings receiver Bernard Berrian called and apologized to Minnesota Representative John Kriesel following a Twitter exchange between the two. Kriesel started the exchange by criticizing Berrian's claims that he's always open. In response, Berrian told Kriesel to 'sit down and shut up.' What Berrian didn't know is that Kriesel is an avid Vikings fan in support of a new stadium. He's also a war veteran that lost both legs in combat.

Author:: BMTN Staff
Updated:: Mar 8, 2018
Original:: Oct 3, 2011

After some time to think, and perhaps a call from a Vikings public relations professional, Bernard Berrian apologized for his poorly-aimed Twitter outburst.

The exchange started after the loss Sunday against Kansas City that brought the Vikings record to 0-4. Minnesota Rep. John Kriesel, R-Cottage Grove, mocked Berrian via Twitter saying, ""If you want to follow a hilarious twitter account, try @B_Twice (Bernard Berrian)."

Berrian blasted back, telling Kriesel to 'sit down and shut up.'

1500ESPN's Judd Zulgad says Berrian had no idea that Kriesel happened to be a co-author for the bill to build a new Vikings stadium or that he is a decorated war veteran who lost both legs in Iraq.

Berrian, while speaking with reporters Monday, said it was "friendly words going back and forth between two people." Kriesel agreed and said he's a "big boy" and wasn't offended.

It's not the first time Berrian's affinity for expressing himself on Twitter backfired on him. Last year he launched a peremptory attack against anyone questioning his fire for the game because he sat on the sideline.