Vikings WR fined after leaving the team

MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 9 (UPI) -- Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Troy Williamson was fined after missing last Sunday's game against San Diego because of his grandmother's death.

The St. Paul Pioneer Press has reported the team docked $25,888 of his $435,000 base salary, a loss he can try to recoup by filing a grievance through the NFL Players Association.

A representative from the NFLPA declined comment until the association had spoken with Williamson, who left the Monday prior to the contest, the newspaper said.

"It's not a matter of (it being) excused," Coach Brad Childress said when asked if Williamson had been excused. It was the first time Childress addressed the issue publicly. "He had a family obligation that he had to see to. We sat down and talked on Monday before he left. His grandmother passed away Monday morning, and he had to do what he had to do."

Childress did not address the reason for the fine.