Mike Zimmer Should Absolutely Apologize to Matt LaFleur for Weak Postgame Handshake After MNF

Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer was clearly upset with his team's loss to the Green Bay Packers in last week's Monday Night Football matchup, and he let his emotions show postgame with his attempt (or lack thereof) at a handshake with Packers' coach Matt LaFleur. His anger was understandable (the game had unmistakably large stakes surrounding it), and a win would have put the Vikes in ideal position to win the NFC North.

A loss, though, put them exactly where they are right now, as the sixth seed in a stacked conference, forced to go on the road from the get-go in the postseason. For a team that had already clinched a berth, this was the worst-case scenario.

But...by any metric...Zimmer's Vikings got out-worked. There was no chicanery involved. He just got beat. Why, then, was he so salty during his postgame handshake with Matt LaFleur?

Professional sports, though, are all about being professional, and part of that job is showing sportsmanship and respect for the other side, even after a stinging defeat with the magnitude of Monday's game.

When asked about his perspective on things, all the victorious LaFleur had to say was, "It is what it is. It's a competitive game. I'll leave it at that."

While his team has sole control of the division now, and home field advantage looming for the postseason, that doesn't mean he should be accepting of this level of disrespect from his coaching rival/supposed equal. Green Bay won. Minnesota lost. No lines were crossed. Why, then, the bad attitude?

Zimmer's mood the last few days have resembled that of a child who's lost privileges, especially with his most recent quotes to the media. It seems as if he's lost all confidence in his team after the defeat, and while they still have a chance to do damage in the playoffs, they'll only be able to move forward if he can.

A team's only as good as their leader, and Zimmer can start to right the ship in Minnesota by apologizing to LaFleur, and his own staff and players for his miniature, distracting temper tantrum.