His four-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy completed, McKinnie returned to practice Thursday at left tackle for the Vikings eager to re-establish his presence on their line and make up his absence to his teammates. He also claimed a different approach to what he does and who he's with when he's out and about at night.

"I changed some phone numbers and got rid of some people I feel like weren't for me," McKinnie said, adding: "Just to get rid of that, 'He likes to hang out."'

McKinnie was charged with three misdemeanors and aggravated battery, a felony, following a February street brawl outside a Miami nightclub. Though the case is pending, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell issued his punishment right before the regular season began with more than just this incident in mind.

Three years ago, McKinnie pleaded guilty to misdemeanor disorderly conduct for his role in the infamously rowdy boat party attended by several players during the team's bye week. Earlier that season, he was also arrested after a late-night scuffle at a gas station. Those charges were later dropped.

In the second season of a seven-year contract worth up to $48.5 million, including more than $17 million guaranteed, McKinnie has risked plenty of earning power with his off-the-field actions — not to mention his reputation and the reward of playing football for a living. Though he pointed to his high-profile status as one cause of the current charges, McKinnie acknowledged his responsibility in the matter that he has declined to discuss in detail for legal reasons.