Harvin's absence might mean makeup work

Vikings first-round draft pick Percy Harvin remained absent from the NFL's rookie symposium Tuesday because of illness and might have to attend the event next year, according to the NFL Network.

Harvin reportedly tried for much of the day Tuesday to get to the symposium in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., but after seeing a doctor, he was given medicine and told to stay home. The former University of Florida receiver was considered a top-10 talent in the April draft but dropped to the 22nd overall pick because of concerns about his character. He reportedly tested positive for marijuana at the NFL scouting combine in February.

Steve Wyche of the NFL Network reported after talking to people at the symposium that Harvin is "very concerned about his image and that even though he is sick, he thinks people are going to take some of the things that happened to him at the University of Florida and at the combine and lump them into a negative light."

Harvin also missed a Vikings rookie minicamp shortly after the draft when he was hospitalized in Atlanta after becoming ill during a layover on his way from Florida.

Harvin arrived for the start of the four-day symposium Sunday afternoon, but doctors suggested he go home after he told them he wasn't feeling well. He and his family live in the Gainesville area.

While Harvin was officially excused, that doesn't mean he is free and clear of having to attend. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said in an e-mail Tuesday that "players who are excused are expected to make up the material presented," and that "that may involve attendance at the following year's symposium."

The symposium focuses on helping rookies adjust to life in the NFL and features guest speakers and experts on a number of subjects.

The Vikings reached an agreement with the second of their five draft picks Tuesday, signing fifth-round linebacker Jasper Brinkley to a four-year contract. Brinkley had 193 tackles, 20.5 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks and three interceptions in 30 games at South Carolina. Brinkley earned all-SEC second-team honors last season after missing much of 2007 after tearing his lateral collateral ligament in his right knee.

Brinkley joins seventh-round safety Jamarca Sanford, who signed a four-year deal last week. The Vikings have yet to reach agreements with Harvin, second-round offensive tackle Phil Loadholt and third-round cornerback Asher Allen.