Birk, McKinnie, Taylor absent as Vikes begin OTAs
by The Associated Press
 
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- As much as Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress tried to divert attention toward the 80-some guys who showed up for today's optional workout, the focus was on three important veterans who weren't there.

Childress says running back Chester Taylor was attending to a family emergency.

Center Matt Birk wasn't there, either. The six-time Pro Bowler has chosen to work out on his own, trying to get the mental break he needs before the season begins.

Left tackle Bryant McKinnie was also absent, because of a court hearing he had in Florida. He's facing assault-related charges for his role in a fight outside a Miami nightclub. McKinnie pleaded not guilty in March. His agent is trying to get him into a diversion program that would get the charges dropped.