Bryant McKinnie Could be Suspended

The Star Tribune reports Minnesota Vikings OLT Bryant McKinnie isn't likely to get closure on his latest legal problems before the Vikings report to training camp on July 23 and his status with the NFL also remains in limbo. When the latter situation will get resolved is anyone's guess at this point. McKinnie had his criminal case continued again Friday during a hearing in Miami-Dade County Court and now is scheduled for a Sept. 24 court date at which he does not have to be present. As pointed out before, however, the NFL is not required to wait for the legal system to play out before imposing punishment and a possible suspension on McKinnie. That's because McKinnie, who met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in late May, is a repeat offender of the league's personal-conduct policy. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said in an e-mail Tuesday that he had "nothing to report" on the McKinnie situation or the fact that the player's next hearing is scheduled for a date that will be three weeks into the regular season. Nonetheless, there is a chance the NFL will act on the McKinnie situation before that next court date. If McKinnie does find himself suspended, look for OT Artis Hicks to replace him at left tackle.

(ffmastermind.com)