When we last left Bryant McKinnie, it appeared that the truant tackle wouldn’t be punished for getting booted off the NFC Pro Bowl team.
Something has changed in the last 18 hours. Perhaps it’s the growing anger about McKinnie’s actions or the recognition that the league could set a dangerous precedent by allowing a player to skip Pro Bowl practices without repercussions.
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune that McKinnie’s case will “be reviewed for a possible fine in addition [to] his loss of his Pro Bowl game check.”
The league is not considering a suspension “at this time” but Aiello notes the review has not been completed.
Meanwhile, we can’t help but notice the contrast between McKinnie and his teammate Steve Hutchinson, who is playing despite a shoulder injury that will require surgery in two weeks.
“I guess I’m a little old-school when it comes to the Pro Bowl,” said Hutchinson. “I think if you can play, you should play.”