Infobox NFLactive
currentteam=Minnesota Vikings
currentnumber=74
currentpositionplain=Offensive tackle
birthdate=birth date and age|1979|9|23
birthplace=Woodbury, New Jersey
heightft=6
heightin=8
weight=335
debutyear=2002
debutteam=Minnesota Vikings
highlights=
* Outland Trophy (2001)
college=University of Miami
draftyear=2002
draftround=1
draftpick=7
pastteams=
* Minnesota Vikings (2002-present)
nfl=MCK582010
Bryant McKinnie (born September 23 1979 in Woodbury, New Jersey, [ [http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player?statsId=5893 Bryant McKinnie player profile] , Fox Sports, accessed April 21, 2007.] ) is an American football offensive tackle currently playing for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He is currently suspended until week 5 of the NFL season because of a nightclub altercation in Miami.
College Career
After prep football at Woodbury High School in Woodbury, NJ, McKinnie played for two years at Lackawanna Junior College in Scranton, Pennsylvania. There, he was converted from defensive line (the position he played in high school) to offensive tackle after gaining 70 pounds. After junior college, he received a scholarship with the University of Miami Hurricanes.
After redshirting in 1999, McKinnie started his junior and senior years at left tackle for UM. During his career he was an extraordinary blocking tackle, not allowing a sack on a quarterback his entire collegiate career. McKinnie was named as an All-American in 2000 and 2001. Also in 2001, McKinnie was the winner of the Outland Trophy, finished 8th overall in voting for the 2001 Heisman Trophy, was the "CNN Sports Illustrated" "Player of the Year" and a key part of the Hurricanes' 2001 National Championship. Also at UM, he was a roommate with current NFL tight end Jeremy Shockey.
"FHM" magazine article
In the September 2006 issue of "FHM" magazine, McKinnie was one of five University of Miami alumni prominently featured in an article titled: "University of Miami Hit Squad: The Hurricanes are Taking Over the NFL. Deal with it." In the article, McKinnie said: "If you put together a team made up of guys playing in the NFL who come from the University of Miami, we'd be playing in the Super Bowl this season. And I think we'd win."
Professional career
Minnesota Vikings
McKinnie was selected seventh overall by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2002 NFL Draft. He was the final first-rounder in 2002 to sign a contract, holding out for 98 days, and missing half the season.[ [http://min.scout.com/a.z?s=63&p=8&c=1&nid=2981106] , Bryant McKinnie profile.] He finished his rookie year starting the final seven games at left tackle. McKinnie started every game for Minnesota from 2003-2007, and has a streak of 80 consecutive games started. He has never made the Pro Bowl. At 6'8" and 335 lbs with size 18 EEE feet, McKinnie is the largest offensive lineman on the Vikings roster.]Boat cruise scandal
In October 2005, McKinnie was charged with a misdemeanor for his involvement in the 2005 Minnesota Vikings boat cruise scandal. McKinnie allegedly picked up a naked woman, placing her on the bar and performed cunnilingus on her in front of the crew and other guests. Later that evening McKinnie and three other men were spotted sitting in deck chairs receiving fellatio from four women, which was also observed by the crew in a public area of the boat.
On May 26 2006, McKinnie pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and being a public nuisance on a watercraft in connection with the Love Boat scandal. He agreed to pay a $1,000 fine and perform 48 hours of community service. Vikings owner Zygi Wilf said, in addition to community service, he would participate in numerous service events this season. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said fines were likely, but he said McKinnie won't be suspended.
On September 9 2006, the NFL announced that it would fine McKinnie and fellow Viking Fred Smoot one game check for the incident. For McKinnie, the fine will amount to approximately $41,000 and should bring the matter to complete resolution. A day after the fine was levied, McKinnie was given a raise and a seven year extension of his contract worth $48 million.
Comments about Daunte Culpepper
In February 2006, the Vikings were considering trading quarterback Daunte Culpepper and McKinnie told the "St. Paul Pioneer Press": "We already made one mistake (trading former Vikings wide receiver Randy Moss). Don't do it twice (by trading Culpepper). If that's the case, let me go." Culpepper was traded shortly afterwards to the Miami Dolphins but McKinnie re-signed with the Vikings regardless.
Arrest in Miami
McKinnie was arrested in Miami in the early morning of February 24, 2008, on aggravated battery charges, in connection with a nightclub fight. He was also charged on disorderly conduct and resisting arrest without violence. Authorities were called to Club Space after a fight broke out. McKinnie had been thrown out by a nightclub security guard and was arguing and spit on Eric Otero, according to a police report.
Otero, 32, said he wouldn't press charges if McKinnie left. Authorities said that he then went to a nearby strip club, but later returned to Club Space and fought with Otero again.
Miami Police found McKinnie "in the middle of a large crowd, throwing punches and again yelling obscenities," according to the police report.
Police told McKinnie to stop. He refused and boarded a bus. The bus driver was ordered not to drive away.
uspension
On August 28th 2008, the NFL suspended Mckinnie for four games of the 2008 season.
[ [http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/15924737.html Startribune.com] ]
References
External links
* [http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/302209 Bryant McKinnie at NFL.com] .
