NFL calls McKinnie report 'speculation'

MANKATO - An NFL spokesman said Thursday that a report by Sirius NFL Radio that Vikings left tackle Bryant McKinnie is likely to be suspended for four games for violating the league's personal conduct policy is speculation and that no announcement has been made.

McKinnie had little reaction when asked about the report.

"I don't know about that," McKinnie said as he walked off the practice field.

McKinnie is subject to possible disciplinary action by the NFL as a repeat offender of the league's conduct policy. He met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in early June.

McKinnie's latest off-the-field incident occurred in February when he got into a brawl outside a Miami nightclub. He faces four charges from that incident, including one felony. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His next court date is scheduled for Sept. 24 in Miami-Dade County Court.

A Vikings official said the team can't comment on the matter and that any statement would have to come from the NFL.

McKinnie was fined a game check ($41,176) by the NFL in September 2006 for his role in the Vikings' infamous boat party on Lake Minnetonka the previous fall. McKinnie pleaded guilty to misdemeanor disorderly conduct for that incident, agreeing to pay a $2,000 fine and perform 48 hours of community service.

McKinnie continues to get all the reps with the first-team offense in training camp.

The Vikings had their final full Mankato practice Thursday and will break camp today before traveling to Baltimore for Saturday's preseason game.

"There are a lot of things I am pleased with," coach Brad Childress said. "Am I satisfied? No, I'm not satisfied. You've seen the growth, and I always believe it's good to get away to training camp even though we continue in training camp mode when we go back up to Winter Park."

Much has been made about the fact the Vikings practiced in full pads only three times here. But players say camp still is a grind, which was why there were plenty of smiles when it ended.

"I'm excited camp is over," running back Adrian Peterson said. "Training camp is like boot camp. Any time it's over is definitely a good feeling."

The Vikings' first practice of camp on July 25 was delayed an hour by a rainstorm, but weather did not force the team to move any of its practices indoors.

Bob Hagan, Vikings director of public relations, attended his 18th camp as a member of the organization and never recalls a camp that did not include at least one indoor practice. Hagan said that one year under coach Dennis Green, the team even returned to Winter Park for a few days of indoor practices because of rain.

Peterson did not touch the ball in the preseason opener against Seattle, and Childress said he has a number in his head for how many carries he wants Peterson to get in the preseason. Peterson said he would like some work but didn't sound too concerned.

"Being a running back it's definitely frustrating, but like I say all the time, I'm willing to go out and do whatever it takes to help win that game," he said. "If that's catching 20 passes a game, then I'll do that. I'm pretty sure I'll be getting some carries this year."

Running back Chester Taylor said he still keeps in touch with several of his former Ravens teammates and is excited to play against them Saturday. Taylor was drafted by the Ravens in 2002 and played four seasons with the team.

"There's still quite a few that were there when I was there, so I'm looking forward to playing against them again," he said.

• Vikings officials said more than 50,000 people attended training camp, a slight increase from last year.