Vikings' Harvin likely under substance program

If, as reported, Florida wide receiver Percy Harvin tested positive for marijuana in February at the NFL scouting combine, he will almost certainly begin his career in Stage 1 of the league's substance abuse program.

Harvin, taken by the Vikings with the 22nd pick in the draft Saturday, would be subject to random testing by the league and remain in Stage 1 for at least 90 days. A second positive test would not trigger a suspension.

According to the NFL's substance abuse policy, another positive test means Harvin would be subject to a fine that would be 3/17ths of his base salary and then moved to Stage 2 of the program. Harvin also could be moved to Stage 2 if he has not complied with the program. In either case, this information would not be publicly revealed by the NFL.

Keep in mind, compliance means, among other things, submitting to tests whenever the NFL's medical people demand it. Harvin would have to have a positive test or non-compliance in Stage 2 before he would face a four-game suspension and a fine of 4/17ths of his base salary.

In other words, Harvin is on strike one and a suspension would not come until after strike three.

Vikings quarterback Sage Rosenfels was unsuccessful in prying No. 18 away from wide receiver Sidney Rice.

Rosenfels, who had been negotiating with Rice since he was acquired from Houston in late February, told the Vikings website that he has decided to wear No. 2. Rosenfels had worn 18 for several seasons, including the past three with the Texans.

"I have two children and my favorite band is U2," Rosenfels told the Vikings site in explaining his decision.

The list of Vikings players who previously wore No. 2 is short: kicker Teddy Garcia (1989), wide receiver Chris Gaiters (1990), punter Leo Araguz (2003) and punter Darren Bennett (2004-05).

• Augsburg wide receiver Royce Winford of Brooklyn Park and Minnesota State Mankato linebacker Blake Freese of Eden Prairie are among those who have been invited to try out at the Vikings rookie minicamp, which will run Friday through Sunday at Winter Park. The Vikings also invited quarterback David Knighton of Harding University in Arkansas. The camp will include the Vikings' five draft picks, as well as 14 rookie free agents and about 30 players who will try out.

• The Vikings have $3,064,512 to sign their pool of rookie players, according to the website ProFootballTalk.com. That is the least amount granted any NFC North team, but that isn't surprising considering they had only five draft picks.

• Receiver Marcus Fitzgerald, a former Holy Angels star who played college football at Marshall, also will try out. He is the younger brother of Pro Bowl receiver Larry Fitzgerald Jr. of the Arizona Cardinals.