Bryant McKinnie's hearing continued until Sept. 24

Vikings left tackle Bryant McKinnie's hearing in Miami-Dade County Court today was continued until Sept. 24, said his attorney, Larry Kerr.

"Both parties are hopeful of resolving this case, with this pretrial diversion program," Kerr said. "But we need more time to cross all the T's and dot all the I's, and the judge understood that and is giving us the time to accomplish all of that."

McKinnie does not have to be present at that hearing, Kerr added.

The charges stem from his Feb. 24 arrest outside a Miami nightclub, a matter that compelled NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to meet with McKinnie recently. McKinnie faces four charges, including felony battery, after a fight with a member of the nightclub's staff.

"Bryant is obviously taking this matter very seriously," Kerr said. "At the last court hearing, he was present with his mother. He's handling the matter in the right way, and he has confidence in the justice system.

"Now it's a matter of letting me and the prosecutor do our jobs and let the case play itself out."

Asked about the NFL, Kerr said, "I have no control over the NFL. I can only tell you that that's what happened in court this morning."

(twincities.com)