Johnson not punting for Vikings

Eddie Johnson, a former Newport Harbor High and Orange Coast College

standout, was released by the Minnesota Vikings, who granted the

punter’s request made shortly after the team signed veteran Darren

Bennett in March.

Johnson, a sixth-round pick of the Vikings in 2003, is expecting

to be claimed off waivers despite having minor surgery on his lower

body. He said he will likely be able to resume punting in about two

weeks. Among the NFL teams that need a punter include, Cincinnati,

Dallas, Detroit, Kansas City, San Francisco and Arizona.

“This could be a blessing in disguise,” Johnson said in a

telephone interview Sunday. “It’s weird. I don’t know if you’re

supposed to feel good about being released, but I did. Not that I

haven’t enjoyed my time here, but because of the situation, this is

best for me.”

Johnson said he was packing and preparing to move Sunday night.

“I’ll find out tomorrow or Tuesday what’s going on,” Johnson said.

“I’m ready to hit the road and go. If not, I’ll head back to Idaho,

work out and wait for that phone call.”

Johnson was replaced late last season by Leo Araguz after Johnson

dropped snaps in three consecutive games. The Vikings reportedly

allowed Johnson’s agent, Ken Harris, in April to gauge trade

interest. Johnson said he was told there would not be a competition

for punter in the Vikings’ training camp.

Minnesota signed punter Filip Filipovic and receiver Ryan Hoag

Friday. Hoag, a former Gustavus Adlophus standout, was last year’s

Mr. Irrelevant picked by the Oakland Raiders. He also spent some time

with the New York Giants last year.

-Steve Virgen

Mann scores 20 goals for USA

* WATER POLO: John Mann, a former Corona del Mar High standout,

led the U.S. men’s junior water polo team with 20 goals, guiding the

Americans to a gold medal in the Junior Pan American Games in San

Salvador, El Salvador.

The U.S. men’s team won the gold by defeating reigning Junior Pan

American Games champion Brazil, 10-6.

The U.S. junior women’s team also won gold Sunday.