Vikings coach Dennis Green continues to receive high marks for his involvement in the community. This time he was named the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame Community Coach of the Year.

The World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame has named Vikings coach Dennis Green the 2001 Community Coach of the Year. The Humanitarian Hall of Fame, now in its seventh year, honors professional sports franchises judged to have the most effective community service programs. Other 2001 individual winners include: Community Executive of the Year George Maloof, Sacramento Kings; Community Player of the Year Kurt Thomas, New York Knicks; Community Staff Member of the Year Bob Love, Chicago Bulls

The 2001 Community Team of the Year will be announced in July. The San Antonio Spurs were selected the 2000 Community Team of the Year by a panel that included Former President Gerald Ford, Sports Illustrated’s Rick Riley, and Jim Nantz of CBS.

"This is the first year we have named individual winners," said Myron Finkbeiner, president of the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame. "We were very impressed not only by Dennis’ involvement in the community, but by how he encourages his players to become active as well. Dennis will be a great model for comparison in the future."

"I’m honored to receive the award," said Green. "I accept it on behalf of all of our coaches and players. However, my driving force and partner in community service is my wife, Marie. Her energy and organizational skills have allowed us to accomplish what we have and to continue to grow our involvement in the Twin Cities community."

WEDNESDAY NOTES
* As reported by VU more than a month ago, Randall Cunningham agreed to a one-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens — a deal he will sign after June 1. The contract calls for Cunningham to be paid the veteran minimum of $477,000 with incentives that could push the deal over $1 million. The Ravens become Cunningham’s third team in less than one year. After being cut by the Vikings June 2, 2000, Cunningham spent last season with the Dallas Cowboys.
* On the subject of the Cowboys and the June 1 veteran cuts, there may be another cornerback on the open market for the Vikings to consider. VU has been told by a source with the Cowboys that Dallas is likely to cut veteran CB Phillippi Sparks.