Bryant McKinnie
Bryant McKinnie Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie has been dismissed from the NFC Pro Bowl team for unexcused absences.

The league said McKinnie missed practice Friday and Saturday and is subject to a fine. His agent didn't respond to messages seeking comment, however McKinnie released a statement through his publicist Saturday evening, saying he withdrew from the game because of injury.

"I am extremely honored to have been selected for this year's Pro Bowl," McKinnie said. "However my ongoing injuries in my feet and left ankle that I have encountered during the last portion of the season has hindered me during this week's training and preparing myself both mentally and physically for this Sunday's Pro Bowl game."

The statement went on to say, "I am very knowledgeable and appreciative of all
my loyal fans and supporters and would like to apologize if I may have disappointed you in any way, but getting back 100 percent healthy at this time is my number one concern to perform even better in the upcoming season."

Although the Minnesota Vikings lost to New Orleans in the NFC championship last Sunday, it was reported that McKinnie was excited to play in the NFL All-Star game. It was his first Pro Bowl selection.

Defensive end Julius Peppers of the Carolina Panthers also had an unexcused absence Friday, but was back at practice Saturday.

Since the rosters for Sunday's game in Miami were first announced, more than a dozen players have been scratched for on reason or another.

With all the players that have been removed from the roster, it going to be interesting to see what this years watered-down version of the Pro Bowl will turn out to be.