Harvin sent home ill from rookie symposium

Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin, the 22nd pick in the first round of the April draft, was sent home from the NFL rookie symposium in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., after becoming ill, according to the league's website.

The former University of Florida standout reported for the start of the four-day event Sunday afternoon, but the medical staff suggested he return home after he told them he wasn't feeling well. Harvin and his family live in the Gainesville area.

Organizers of the symposium officially excused Harvin; all 256 draft picks were in attendance on Sunday, according to symposium officials. The website, Pro Football Talk, reported that Harvin might return to the symposium today if he feels better. The symposium features a variety of seminars designed to help rookies adapt to life in the NFL.

Harvin's agent, Joel Segal, did not return a call or text message seeking a comment Monday night.

This is not the first time Harvin has dealt with an illness this offseason that has kept him from an NFL-related event. Harvin missed a Vikings rookie camp in early May after becoming so ill during a layover in Atlanta that he was hospitalized.

Harvin, who had been traveling from Florida, was suffering from extreme dehydration and a virus. He returned home two days after being admitted to the hospital.

Harvin did take part in the Vikings' Organized Team Activities and mandatory minicamp over the past two months. The Vikings selected Harvin despite character concerns that increased when he reportedly tested positive for marijuana during February's NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis.

JUDD ZULGAD