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Starter
ESPN
I find it amazing that the NFL tries to get people to care about the Pro Bowl when its obvious that the players themselves don't care about it. More than 12 players scratched, that doesn't include the players that declined the invitation due to injury. Just announce the All-Pro teams and scrap the game already.FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie has been dismissed from the NFC Pro Bowl team for unexcused absences.
The NFL said McKinnie missed practice Friday and Saturday and is subject to a fine. His agent didn't respond to messages seeking comment.
This was the first Pro Bowl selection for McKinnie, whose Vikings lost to New Orleans in the NFC championship last Sunday.
Defensive end Julius Peppers 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.