Kelly Avoids DWI Trial

Vikings V.P. Mike Kelly avoided a jury trial Monday for drunk driving charges stemming from a February incident, pleading to a lesser charge and having the case settled.

Vikings executive Mike Kelly isn't the type of guy in the organization who is expected to be in the news a lot. But, after the multiple problems at the Vikings Arctic Blast charity event earlier this year, Kelly's DWI was viewed by some in the media as an indication the Vikings are a team gone wild.

Kelly, whose attorney cited several problems and discrepancies in the police handling of his arrest, agreed Monday to plead to the lesser charge of careless driving and pay a $350 fine. Under the rules of the agreement, if Kelly has no similar offenses in the next year, the careless driving conviction will be taken off his permanent record.

TUESDAY NOTES
* The Chiefs released CB Ray Crockett and one source close to Crockett's agent said he believes the Vikings are one of the teams that may be interested in bringing the veteran in.
* The Packers finally got a capable backup for Ahman Green if he goes down again next year, signing veteran Lamar Smith.
* Remember when Shane Matthews was going to be the backup QB for the Vikings? Negotiations broke down and the Vikings went with Gus Frerotte. So where is Matthews now? Third-string QB on the hapless Bengals. At least with the Vikes he would have had a chance to play.