--DE Jared Allen, who was twice arrested for drunken driving while playing for the Kansas City Chiefs and was suspended for the first two games of last season, was invited to the NFL rookie symposium in order to talk about his off-the-field issues. Allen has said on numerous occasions that he has given up drinking alcohol.
--Vikings rookies recently spent a day touring the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, as part of a league initiative to help its young players gain an appreciation for the history of the game.
--LT Bryant McKinnie's status with the NFL remains uncertain. He could face disciplinary action, including a suspension, because he's a repeat offender of the league's personal-conduct policy. McKinnie faces four charges, including one felony, stemming from a brawl outside a Miami nightclub in February. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges; his next court date is scheduled for Sept. 24.
--Former Vikings safety Robert Griffith recently signed a one-day ceremonial contract with the team for the purpose of retiring as a member of the franchise. Griffith was with the Vikings from 1994 to 2001 and made the Pro Bowl team after the 2000 season. He also spent time with Cleveland and Arizona but did not play last year.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I know I'll be back playing football. It's not even about like how I feel, it's about my mindset and my mindset is, 'This is temporary.' For me to sit up and say, 'This is going to be the end.' No. I told myself when I'm done with football the world will know and this is not my exit out of football." -- Vikings defensive end Kenechi Udeze on the fact he fully expects to return to playing football in 2009 after taking this season to recover from an acute form of leukemia.
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