The Minnesota Vikings left tackle Bryant McKinnie had his reasons to miss the Pro Bowl game, but he still has to pay back the league for the absence. According to what the NFL announced on Friday, McKinnie is required to play $4,285 reimbursement for expenses incurred that week in Miami.
McKinnie has said that he did not put on Pro Bowl jersey for the NFC all-star team because of injury on his foot. And also there was miscommunication about his desire to withdraw from the team. Thus he skipped most of the team practices and obligations, and was then dismissed from the NFC all-star squad.
The results for McKinnie’s also included forfeiting his $22,500 game check. Additional action from the league could be taken after the league’s competition committee reviews the matter so as to avoid similar things in future Pro Bowl games.
Showing posts with label the Vikings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label the Vikings. Show all posts
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Vikings fans want Favre to stay
In order to persuade quarterback Brett Favre to stay with the Minnesota Vikings, a group of Vikings fans used advertising space on a digital billboard near Favre’s home to send message, hoping the 40-year-old quarterback could make his mind to continue wearing No. 4 Vikings jersey for another season.
“Hey No. 4, do Minnesota fans love you and want you back next year? You Brettcha!” the message reads.
The group of more than 122,000 people has also collected photos, videos and posted messages from the fans to mail to Favre, and the plan was made by Jay Tappe of Minneapolis one day after the Vikings lost the NFC championship game to the New Orleans Saints.
“We never really got to give Brett a good send-off or a standing ovation or anything, because they finished the season on the road,” Tappe said. “My thought was to put up a billboard that he sees every morning.”
The plan also includes raising fund through a website, vikesfans4favre.com and getting Vikings defensive end Jared Allen to record a video encouraging fans to join the cause. By so far, they have raised $2,600. It was enough to keep the billboard up for the month and the remaining money will be donated to the foundation of Favre’s wife to help disadvantaged women in their fight against breast cancer. And Allen is one of Favre’s biggest fans who welcomed the legendary quarterback to Vikings after Favre got out of retirement and signed with the Vikings.
“Hey No. 4, do Minnesota fans love you and want you back next year? You Brettcha!” the message reads.
The group of more than 122,000 people has also collected photos, videos and posted messages from the fans to mail to Favre, and the plan was made by Jay Tappe of Minneapolis one day after the Vikings lost the NFC championship game to the New Orleans Saints.
“We never really got to give Brett a good send-off or a standing ovation or anything, because they finished the season on the road,” Tappe said. “My thought was to put up a billboard that he sees every morning.”
The plan also includes raising fund through a website, vikesfans4favre.com and getting Vikings defensive end Jared Allen to record a video encouraging fans to join the cause. By so far, they have raised $2,600. It was enough to keep the billboard up for the month and the remaining money will be donated to the foundation of Favre’s wife to help disadvantaged women in their fight against breast cancer. And Allen is one of Favre’s biggest fans who welcomed the legendary quarterback to Vikings after Favre got out of retirement and signed with the Vikings.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Vikings seem destined to suffer more than others
The Minneapolis front yard seems a colder place than it was last week when it was covered by snow and there hung a purple Vikings flag at half-staff as the Minnesota Vikings lost their NFC champion to the New Orleans Saints, a woeful memory to all those who were watching the game in their beloved purple and while Vikings jerseys.
After losing four Super Bowls in the 1970s, the Vikings are now 0-5 in NFC championship games. No matter if the loss was because of the too-many-men-in-the-huddle penalty that infamously preceded Brett Favre’s interception or the three lost fumbles earlier, the Vikings familiarly lost the most critical game despite dominating the Saints in total yardage. Many Vikings supporters can’t help feeling like their sports-fan souls are somehow destined to suffer as much as or more than any others.
“It kind of feels like it doesn’t it?” said Randy Komorouski of Rosemount. “I grew up with all the Super Bowl losses, so, yeah, it’s like they’re snakebite a little bit.”
As the Saints are to fight for their first Super Bowl Championship against the Indianapolis Colts this weekend, what the Vikings fans all could do is to keep their hope for next season. Some day they will make it, just believe it.
After losing four Super Bowls in the 1970s, the Vikings are now 0-5 in NFC championship games. No matter if the loss was because of the too-many-men-in-the-huddle penalty that infamously preceded Brett Favre’s interception or the three lost fumbles earlier, the Vikings familiarly lost the most critical game despite dominating the Saints in total yardage. Many Vikings supporters can’t help feeling like their sports-fan souls are somehow destined to suffer as much as or more than any others.
“It kind of feels like it doesn’t it?” said Randy Komorouski of Rosemount. “I grew up with all the Super Bowl losses, so, yeah, it’s like they’re snakebite a little bit.”
As the Saints are to fight for their first Super Bowl Championship against the Indianapolis Colts this weekend, what the Vikings fans all could do is to keep their hope for next season. Some day they will make it, just believe it.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Favre could have real retirement now
Leading the Minnesota Vikings to a 12-4 season but a regretful loss to the New Orleans Saints in NFC championship game, Brett Favre is now taking his time to decide what to do for next season. Remain in the No. 4 purple Vikings jersey? Or just keep his promise for the first time in his NFL career to have a real retirement? I think, the latter is a much better idea for the 40-year-old quarterback.
I don’t mean he is too old to play football anymore. At his age, his performance during 2009 season was amazing and impressive. And the Vikings do enter postseason thanks a lot to his help. But I just think it would be good for him to follow former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner, who announced retirement last Friday at age 38 after 12 years of NFL career. Favre has been staying long enough in the NFL, and 18 years of NFL career has made his name well-known among each team’s fans, in good or bad sense. To be honest, every knows he is a great quarterback, and that’s why he should leave now, at the time people still believes he is a great player, but not at a time when people begin to say “well, what can we expect from a man at his 40s?” if he shows any tendency to drop behind those rising young stars.
For a better life and family happiness, Favre should take his time to rest well before doing anything a 40-year-old man fits to do. Mid-aged man should not expect to heal as fast as those 20s if he gets injured. And it’s time to give chance to those younger quarterbacks who have made every effort to get a starting job, like Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels, who were supposed to compete for the spot, until Favre came after training camp in mid-August. Leave now before they acquire the job by performing better during regular season, and Favre, you will face much less embarrassment.
I don’t mean he is too old to play football anymore. At his age, his performance during 2009 season was amazing and impressive. And the Vikings do enter postseason thanks a lot to his help. But I just think it would be good for him to follow former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner, who announced retirement last Friday at age 38 after 12 years of NFL career. Favre has been staying long enough in the NFL, and 18 years of NFL career has made his name well-known among each team’s fans, in good or bad sense. To be honest, every knows he is a great quarterback, and that’s why he should leave now, at the time people still believes he is a great player, but not at a time when people begin to say “well, what can we expect from a man at his 40s?” if he shows any tendency to drop behind those rising young stars.
For a better life and family happiness, Favre should take his time to rest well before doing anything a 40-year-old man fits to do. Mid-aged man should not expect to heal as fast as those 20s if he gets injured. And it’s time to give chance to those younger quarterbacks who have made every effort to get a starting job, like Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels, who were supposed to compete for the spot, until Favre came after training camp in mid-August. Leave now before they acquire the job by performing better during regular season, and Favre, you will face much less embarrassment.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Cowboys RB Barber could play against Vikings
The Dallas Cowboys running back Marion Barber is likely to return to his home in Minnesota and get ready for a playoff game against the Vikings on Sunday. He may take part in practice Thursday to see how well his left knee works to decide whether he gets to play or how much he plays.
According to Cowboys Coach Wade Phillips, the team will not have Barber practice Wednesday because of precaution. And they also should avoid what happened last week when Barber tried to play Saturday night after missing some practice time but was stuck on the sideline after three carries netted just 4 yards.
“He’s already better than he was last week and better than he was after the game,” Phillips said. “So we think he’s going to be all right. And I know he wants to play going back to Minnesota. But we’ll monitor it.”
Third-stringer Tashard Choice, who suffered concussion during the fourth quarter of Saturday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles, is also likely to wear back his Cowboys jersey for this Sunday’s game. The team said he has been cleared by doctors to practice. If he is to play, he is to face former college teammate Adrian Peterson, who is now the Vikings starting running back.
According to Cowboys Coach Wade Phillips, the team will not have Barber practice Wednesday because of precaution. And they also should avoid what happened last week when Barber tried to play Saturday night after missing some practice time but was stuck on the sideline after three carries netted just 4 yards.
“He’s already better than he was last week and better than he was after the game,” Phillips said. “So we think he’s going to be all right. And I know he wants to play going back to Minnesota. But we’ll monitor it.”
Third-stringer Tashard Choice, who suffered concussion during the fourth quarter of Saturday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles, is also likely to wear back his Cowboys jersey for this Sunday’s game. The team said he has been cleared by doctors to practice. If he is to play, he is to face former college teammate Adrian Peterson, who is now the Vikings starting running back.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Vikings are not expecting injured Winfield to play much
The Minnesota Vikings star cornerback Antoine Winfield put on his Vikings jersey back to play against the Cincinnati Bengals three weeks ago after missing six games because of foot injury. His performance in the first game after returning was fine enough to be called standout, but for the next two games, they might be considered Winfield’s worst.
Being beaten in coverage several times, Winfield seemed likely to lose confidence from the team, which has stopped expecting much from the cornerback. According the defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier, a reduced role for Winfield is being considered, and the team is thinking that a healthy backup could be better suited to more extensive action given Winfield’s health.
The Vikings hope to have defensive tackle Pat Williams back for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants after missing the last one with an elbow injury. His backup Jimmy Kennedy has missed practices this week with a thumb injury.
Being beaten in coverage several times, Winfield seemed likely to lose confidence from the team, which has stopped expecting much from the cornerback. According the defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier, a reduced role for Winfield is being considered, and the team is thinking that a healthy backup could be better suited to more extensive action given Winfield’s health.
The Vikings hope to have defensive tackle Pat Williams back for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants after missing the last one with an elbow injury. His backup Jimmy Kennedy has missed practices this week with a thumb injury.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Vikings NT Williams not to play against Bears
Nose tackle Pat Williams will not put on his Minnesota Vikings jersey to play Monday night’s game for the team against the Chicago Bears because of elbow injury, Jimmy Kennedy will start at the position as replacement to Williams.
At 37, the Vikings’ second-oldest player behind Brett Favre, Williams has 44 tackles and two sacks in 14 games.
But it seemed that the going-to-be rival Bears should worry more about injuries. The Bears wide receiver Devin Hester missed his third straight game with a strained left calf, and safeties Kevin Payne and Al Afalava were listed as inactive respectively because of ankle injury and knee injury. Punter Brad Maynard retuned to team after the Bears signed Richmond McGee to a two-year contract for insurance, but it remains questionable whether the left groin injury that made McGee questionable earlier would allow the punter to play full time. And defensive end Adewale Ogunleye would miss all the remaining games the Bears are going to play as he has been put on injured reserve because of a broken left leg.
At 37, the Vikings’ second-oldest player behind Brett Favre, Williams has 44 tackles and two sacks in 14 games.
But it seemed that the going-to-be rival Bears should worry more about injuries. The Bears wide receiver Devin Hester missed his third straight game with a strained left calf, and safeties Kevin Payne and Al Afalava were listed as inactive respectively because of ankle injury and knee injury. Punter Brad Maynard retuned to team after the Bears signed Richmond McGee to a two-year contract for insurance, but it remains questionable whether the left groin injury that made McGee questionable earlier would allow the punter to play full time. And defensive end Adewale Ogunleye would miss all the remaining games the Bears are going to play as he has been put on injured reserve because of a broken left leg.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Vikings WR Harvin ruled out for Sunday game
The Minnesota Vikings Coach Chad Childress announced Thursday that wide receiver Percy Harvin will not appear in his Vikings jersey for this Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals because of migraine headaches.
The receiver missed another practice Thursday and already caused a lot to doubt he would not play this Sunday. Harvin visited a doctor for the headaches, which he has dealt with since college and popped up this year in Week 3. He missed two practice that week but still played against the San Francisco 49ers that Sunday and managed to have his kickoff return for a touchdown.
By so far, there have been 13 Vikings players listed on this week’s injury report and 12 of them are starters, including running back Adrian Peterson, right tackle Phil Loadholt and safety Tyrell Johnson.
The receiver missed another practice Thursday and already caused a lot to doubt he would not play this Sunday. Harvin visited a doctor for the headaches, which he has dealt with since college and popped up this year in Week 3. He missed two practice that week but still played against the San Francisco 49ers that Sunday and managed to have his kickoff return for a touchdown.
By so far, there have been 13 Vikings players listed on this week’s injury report and 12 of them are starters, including running back Adrian Peterson, right tackle Phil Loadholt and safety Tyrell Johnson.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Vikings CB Winfield will not play against Lions this Sunday
The Minnesota Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield told reporters Friday that he will not be able to play for his team this Sunday as he has to take care of his injured right foot.
“I’ve been out the last couple of days running on it, testing it,” Winfield said on Friday. “It’s good going forward but I still have a little problem cutting. But I would say next week I should be OK.”
Having missed the last two games, the Pro Bowler has been expected to be available for playing against the Detroit Lions this weekend. And he did wear his Vikings jersey and practice in full gear all week but just still feels pain when he plants on the foot, which seems not ready to support him for playing a full game.
He is still happy that he can sit out to see Vikings win the last game against the Green Bay Packers. As for next week’s game against the Seattle Seahawks, Winfield would not like to promise he will be able to play as he does not want to take the risk of being further injured by rushing back and missing even more games.
“I’ve been out the last couple of days running on it, testing it,” Winfield said on Friday. “It’s good going forward but I still have a little problem cutting. But I would say next week I should be OK.”
Having missed the last two games, the Pro Bowler has been expected to be available for playing against the Detroit Lions this weekend. And he did wear his Vikings jersey and practice in full gear all week but just still feels pain when he plants on the foot, which seems not ready to support him for playing a full game.
He is still happy that he can sit out to see Vikings win the last game against the Green Bay Packers. As for next week’s game against the Seattle Seahawks, Winfield would not like to promise he will be able to play as he does not want to take the risk of being further injured by rushing back and missing even more games.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Vikings CB Winfield was listed doubtful against Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers may feel a bit eased when they learned that the Minnesota Vikings Pro Bowl cornerback Antoine Winfield was listed doubtful for Sunday’s game. It just made it more possible for them to keep their 100-yard streak.
Winfield was injured last Sunday in the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens and did not practice all week. Benny Sapp would likely get the starting job in his place if Winfield cannot play Sunday. But Winfield’s absence, coupled with the bumps and bruises affecting safety Madieu Williams and backup safety Husain Abdullah, will make life much easier for Ben Roethlisberger, the quarterback in Steelers jersey and the Steelers second-ranked passing offense.
Fortunately, starting running back Adrian Peterson, ankles injured, right tackles Phil Loadholt with ankle injury and backup safety Eric Frampton, also ankle injured, are all probable for Sunday game. Punt returner Darius Rey with hamstring injured is also doubtful. And along with Williams and Abdullah, Vikings kick returner and receiver Percy Harvin was questionable with shoulder injury.
Winfield was injured last Sunday in the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens and did not practice all week. Benny Sapp would likely get the starting job in his place if Winfield cannot play Sunday. But Winfield’s absence, coupled with the bumps and bruises affecting safety Madieu Williams and backup safety Husain Abdullah, will make life much easier for Ben Roethlisberger, the quarterback in Steelers jersey and the Steelers second-ranked passing offense.
Fortunately, starting running back Adrian Peterson, ankles injured, right tackles Phil Loadholt with ankle injury and backup safety Eric Frampton, also ankle injured, are all probable for Sunday game. Punt returner Darius Rey with hamstring injured is also doubtful. And along with Williams and Abdullah, Vikings kick returner and receiver Percy Harvin was questionable with shoulder injury.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Vikings rookie WR Harvin questionable for Sunday game
An injured left shoulder may keep the Minnesota Vikings rookie receiver and return man Percy Harvin out of this Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens. The rookie has been listed questionable for the game, and his playing status will be decided by game time.
Harvin missed the team’s Wednesday practice and worked out on a limited basis both on Thursday and Friday. Having played five game in the Vikings jersey this season, Harvin is averaging 31.2 yards per kick return and has scored three touchdowns totally.
Other Vikings players questionable for Sunday game include right tackle Phil Loadholt, who sprained his ankle and missed last week’s game against the St. Louis Rams; and punt returner Darius Reynaud with a strained left hamstring.
Harvin missed the team’s Wednesday practice and worked out on a limited basis both on Thursday and Friday. Having played five game in the Vikings jersey this season, Harvin is averaging 31.2 yards per kick return and has scored three touchdowns totally.
Other Vikings players questionable for Sunday game include right tackle Phil Loadholt, who sprained his ankle and missed last week’s game against the St. Louis Rams; and punt returner Darius Reynaud with a strained left hamstring.
Vikings rookie WR Harvin returned to practice
On Thursday practice, the Minnesota Vikings rookie wide receiver Percy Harvin worked out on a limited basis. For being hurt on left shoulder in last Sunday’s game against the St. Louis Rams, he was held out from Wednesday’s practice.
According to Coach Brad Childress, Harvin is continuing to move around on the field and work through his injury. But his status for this Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens is decided yet.
Along with Harvin, punt returner Darius Reynaud also returned to practice and worked out on limited basis, too. If he is fully recovered in time to fits in the offense’s plans for that particular game, he will still have his job in special teams.
According to Coach Brad Childress, Harvin is continuing to move around on the field and work through his injury. But his status for this Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens is decided yet.
Along with Harvin, punt returner Darius Reynaud also returned to practice and worked out on limited basis, too. If he is fully recovered in time to fits in the offense’s plans for that particular game, he will still have his job in special teams.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Vikings coach Childress will be careful with Favre status to avoid fine
After the NFL recently fined the New York Jets and coach Eric Mangini for failure to list Brett Favre on the injury report last season with his throwing arm hurt, the Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress felt that it is necessary for him to be diligent with Favre’s injury status to avoid fine.
By so far, Favre has not been listed on the injury report although the quarterback recently said that he might have a cracked rib. And it is not strange at all for media to focus on how Childress will approach the report each week when it comes to the 39-year-old quarterback.
Childress said that he’d rather save the $25,000 for college tuition for his kids. And he has told Favre that he would not hesitate to put the quarterback on injury report if necessary.
By so far, Favre has not been listed on the injury report although the quarterback recently said that he might have a cracked rib. And it is not strange at all for media to focus on how Childress will approach the report each week when it comes to the 39-year-old quarterback.
Childress said that he’d rather save the $25,000 for college tuition for his kids. And he has told Favre that he would not hesitate to put the quarterback on injury report if necessary.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Returning of Favre helped Vikings sell tickets
Within 24 hours after news broke that Brett Favre signed with the Vikings, 3,200 Vikings season tickets were sold and 11,000 single-game tickets were snatched up by fans. What a Favre effect!
What is more, there have been several hundred pre-orders for brett favre jersey placed online Tuesday. Also a lot of fans lined the streets to catch a glimpse of Favre on Tuesday. Of course, ticked demand and prices soared at online broker RazorGator.com, with prices for Favre playing against the Packers in Green Bay on Nov. 1 leaping from $441.48 to $975.56, and prices for home game on Oct. 5 when Packers come to the Metrodome from $263.13 to $402.48.
According to chief marketing officer Steve LaCroix, There remain roughly 6,000 season tickets, only through which the game against Green Bay on Oct. 5 are available and only a limited amount of seats remain for Favre’s Vikings debut in the preseason game against the Chiefs on Friday.
What is more, there have been several hundred pre-orders for brett favre jersey placed online Tuesday. Also a lot of fans lined the streets to catch a glimpse of Favre on Tuesday. Of course, ticked demand and prices soared at online broker RazorGator.com, with prices for Favre playing against the Packers in Green Bay on Nov. 1 leaping from $441.48 to $975.56, and prices for home game on Oct. 5 when Packers come to the Metrodome from $263.13 to $402.48.
According to chief marketing officer Steve LaCroix, There remain roughly 6,000 season tickets, only through which the game against Green Bay on Oct. 5 are available and only a limited amount of seats remain for Favre’s Vikings debut in the preseason game against the Chiefs on Friday.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Vikings QB Jackson continues rehab work
After skipping Sunday practice, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson missed both practices again on Monday while doing rehab work on his left knee injury caused by an accident on Saturday practice.
Jackson has spent time with his teammates outside the training camp since spraining his MCL on Saturday, but at the moment he was only able to ride a bicycle and do some light jogging. Because he still walked with a slight limp, he has to watch practice while wearing a sleeve on his knee.
Coach Brad Childress said taht he is not sure about when Jackson will return to the team but is confident he will be just fine. Childress said Jackson will return whe has the ability to protect himself while playing. So we will not wait long before seeing Jackson wearing his vikings jersey again.
Jackson has spent time with his teammates outside the training camp since spraining his MCL on Saturday, but at the moment he was only able to ride a bicycle and do some light jogging. Because he still walked with a slight limp, he has to watch practice while wearing a sleeve on his knee.
Coach Brad Childress said taht he is not sure about when Jackson will return to the team but is confident he will be just fine. Childress said Jackson will return whe has the ability to protect himself while playing. So we will not wait long before seeing Jackson wearing his vikings jersey again.
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