Moss Pleads Guilty

Randy Moss opted out of a trial Thursday by pleading guilty to two charges stemming from an auto altercation earlier this season.

Opting to avoid a trial that would result in the "media circus of the century," Vikings wide receiver Randy Moss pleaded guilty Thursday to two charges stemming from his altercation with a traffic control officer in downtown Minneapolis two months ago.

Moss pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of careless driving and a petty misdemeanor charge of obstructing justice. The charge of marijuana possession was dropped. Had he been found guilty of the drug charge, Moss could have faced a suspension from the NFL. As it stands, he is likely to face no further league sanction.

In addition to the charges, Moss was ordered to pay a $1,200 fine and perform 40 hours of community service. He was also given a 30-day jail term, but the remaining 28 days were stayed, barring a repeat incident in the next year.

Moss apologized to fans, teammates, coaches and even fellow drivers, but refused to apologize to the traffic control officer, who is said to be preparing to sue Moss in civil court -- why isn't that a surprise?

FRIDAY NOTES
* Lewis Kelly has been changed to out on the injury report.
* Three other players -- LB Greg Biekert (calf), RB Moe Williams (heel) and S Ronnie Bradford (foot) -- were again held out of practice Thursday.
* Five starting Saints listed as questionable -- QB Aaron Brooks, RB Deuce McAllister, CB Dale Carter, G LeCharles Bentley and LB Darrin Smith -- are all expected to start, according to a Saints source of VU's.
* The NFL is expected to finally hand down fines from the postgame brawl after Sunday's game with the Packers. Apparently the delay has been because league officials have been watching several angles of the film and the number of players subject to fines could make this one a doozy.
* The NFL has announced the salary cap will likely increase about $3 million for next year to $74.1 million -- giving the Vikings even more room under the cap (in the neighborhood of $25-30 million).