MINNEAPOLIS — Vikings cornerback Fred Smoot and left tackle Bryant McKinnie pleaded guilty Friday to misdemeanor charges stemming from the team’s raucous boat party last October.
Each agreed to pay a $1,000 fine and perform 48 hours of community service.
Smoot and McKinnie pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and being a public nuisance on a watercraft. The second charge will be removed from their records if they stay out of trouble for a year.
“Hopefully, next year’s party will be at the children’s hospital,” prosecutor Steve Tallen said.
Smoot had been scheduled to go on trial Tuesday in Hennepin County District Court. McKinnie had been set for trial July 7. Neither player was in court Friday.
Smoot, through his lawyer, apologized to the family of Vikings owner Zygi Wilf, the team’s coaches and fans, the people of Minnesota and the employees of Al and Alma’s Restaurant and Cruises.
“I used poor judgment and take responsibility for my actions,” Smoot said.
McKinnie said: “I want to be an example of everything that is good about the Vikings and the state of Minnesota.”
Wilf said the two players would participate in numerous service events this season.
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said fines are likely. He said the players won’t be suspended.
Because Smoot and McKinnie are being disciplined by the league, the Vikings are precluded by the NFL’s labor agreement from imposing their own discipline.