Teams Declare Prohibition

The practice of having alcohol available to players and coaches at team functions and on team flights or bus rides has been banned by the league -- a decision that comes on the heels of Cardinals pitcher Josh Hancock dying after having free drinks in the clubhouse following a game last month.

It has been something of a tradition that when teams win a big road game, they have a “champagne flight” on the way home. That policy is coming to an end.

The league adopted the rule this week that would ban alcohol from being provided at team functions and on planes/buses in which teams travel. The decision is said to have no bearing on the Josh Hancock incident – the Cardinals pitcher who died after getting drunk following a game and getting behind the wheel – but Vikings running back Tony Richardson, who serves on the player advisory council that approved the alcohol ban, said that it had an impact on the league’s decision.

SATURDAY NOTES
* As expected, Antoine Winfield was front and center at minicamp Friday, saying he and Brad Childress “got some things off our chests.” He seemed happy and content and it is now expected that he will be ready and available when training camp opens.
* Darrion Scott officially signed his one-year tendered offer of $850,000.
* Both injured safeties Tank Williams and Mike Doss took part in one of Friday’s practice sessions. Doss practiced during the morning session and Williams practiced in the afternoon workout.
* Linebacker Jason Glenn, also coming off a knee injury, practice only in the morning session.
* The team got some bad news a few weeks ago from NFL Europa. DT Alex Guerrero, who played for the Rhein Fire, suffered a knee injury and was placed on injured reserve. However, he is expected to be ready by the time training camp starts.
* With the threat of rain, the team moved the afternoon practice inside Friday and are expected to have at least one more practice indoors over the weekend.