OWINGS MILLS — The daily fines that wayward offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie is piling up for his unexcused absence from training camp for personal reasons pales in comparison to the enormous lawsuits he’s facing.
Nonetheless, the former Pro Bowl blocker’s tab with the Baltimore Ravens is getting quite expensive.
Under the terms of the NFL collective bargaining agreement, McKinnie is being fined $30,000 per day and can be docked an entire game check for $188,235 for every preseason game he misses. The Ravens’ veterans reported to training camp Wednesday.
"Yeah, the CBA applies to this situation," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said when asked if McKinnie is being fined.
Facing a $4.5 million lawsuit for a loan he took out during the NFL lockout last year as well as multiple other financial imbroglios, McKinnie remains on the reserve/did not report list.
Harbaugh said that the team has yet to speak with McKinnie, who has also battled conditioning issues and was asked to get down to a target weight of 345 pounds after weighing 354 pounds and not being allowed to participate in a mandatory June minicamp.
"As far as I know, there’s no communication from Bryant," Harbaugh said. "He does not have an agent. We heard from a chiropractor on the first day and that’s all we’ve heard."
The chiropractor reference might be a revealing remark from Harbaugh about what’s ailing McKinnie, a tall lineman at 6-foot-8 who has battled weight problems. McKinnie ballooned up to 387 pounds during the lockout last year and was cut by the Minnesota Vikings.
McKinnie has had several agents representing him this offseason, but is in the process of hiring new representation for football as well as a new financial advisor.
Although McKinnie hasn’t spoken with his coach, he has apparently talked with his replacement at left tackle: Michael Oher.
"I’ve talked to him a few times," Oher said. "I just told him to take your time and we’ll be here if he needs us and things like that and just take care of anything he has going. So, I’m pretty sure he’ll get everything squared away."
When asked if he believes that McKinnie will ultimately rejoin the team, Oher replied: "I think so. He sounds positive. Like I told him, ‘Take your time, and we’ll be waiting for you.’"
Harbaugh has declared that Oher is the Ravens’ new left tackle until further notice and that the team is searching for a right tackle to take over for Oher.
McKinnie started every game last season after signing a two-year contract with the Ravens that includes a $3.2 million base salary. However, he didn’t always grade out well for his run blocking.
Offensive line coach Andy Moeller was asked if McKinnie’s presence is missed on the line.
“Oh, I think our guys … sure because of the bond that they have developed with him a year ago," Moeller said. "Yes, so I would say yes. As far as what we have, we have enough right out here right now to be the kind of linemen we want to be.”
