McKinnie Avoids Going to Trial

Minnesota Vikings left tackle Bryant McKinnie won't face a trial after being allowed to enter a pretrial diversion program stemming from a fight outside a Miami nightclub in February 2008.

McKinnie was scheduled to go to trial Monday on four charges, including one felony. But the state of Florida and a judge allowed him to enter the diversion program during a hearing Wednesday.

The conditions of the program include 25 hours of community service, counseling for anger issues and no more arrests. The program could take up to a year to complete, according to McKinnie's attorney, Larry Kerr.

Kerr said all four charges will be dismissed if McKinnie successfully completes the program. McKinnie served a four-game suspension by the NFL last season for violating the league's personal conduct policy.

Paymah to visit

Denver Broncos free-agent cornerback Karl Paymah will visit the Vikings today, according to a league source. Paymah, who started five games in four seasons with the Broncos, already has visited the Baltimore Ravens, Tampa Bay Bucs, Cleveland Browns and San Francisco 49ers.

The Vikings also are among the teams that have expressed interest in free-agent fullback Leonard Weaver, who has spent his four-year career with the Seattle Seahawks.

Staff changes

Vikings coach Brad Childress filled three vacancies on his coaching staff and promoted Kevin Stefanski to offense quality control.

Former Syracuse assistant Chris White, who is entering his 20th year of coaching, was hired as assistant special teams coach.

Former Vikings linebacker Jason Glenn was hired as a special teams assistant/player development assistant. Dennis Polian will serve as Childress' assistant. Polian is the son of Bill Polian, president and general manager of the Indianapolis Colts.