Re: Koren spends offseason trying to get himself "right" <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Robinson spent summer getting himself 'right'DAVE CAMPBELLAssociated PressMANKATO, Minn. - Koren Robinson is ready for the season, this time as Minnesota's top receiver.His preparation time this summer wasn't only spent working out, though. A recovering alcoholic, Robinson participated in relapse prevention classes to make sure he'd be ready mentally for the NFL grind."You just have to be mindful for your situation," said Robinson, who signed a three-year contract worth up to $12.7 million in March. "But anytime you can learn something to better your situation, regardless of what it is, in any aspect of your life, it's always good."Robinson spent 28 days in treatment last year after being cut by Seattle for several reasons, many of which he attributed to alcohol abuse. He signed with the Vikings right before the regular season started, shortly after checking out of the rehab facility. Robinson, a first-round draft pick by the Seahawks in 2001, made the Pro Bowl as a kickoff returner and caught 22 passes for 347 yards and one touchdown.Knowing he'll be asked to do much more this year, Robinson - who also got married in July - wanted to make sure that he was strong when training camp started."I just had to take some time for myself to get right," he said. "That's all pretty much. I don't want anybody to get worried about Koren or anything like that. Koren is good. This is the best Koren right now. I'm going to have fun, joke around and come out here and make plays."---HOPEFULLY THERE'S NO TEAM SPELLING BEE ... With Pat Williams ordered to get in better shape by coach Brad Childress, there's been an opening with the first team defense at one of the tackle spots.So far, Ross Kolodziej, a former University of Wisconsin star who played most recently with Arizona, has been taking most of the turns there. Spencer Johnson and Eric Taylor, who also play end, are others whose time will increase as long as Williams is on the physically unable to perform list. Childress didn't set a timetable for his return.Kolodziej, pronounced kuh-LODGE-ee, started 14 games for the Cardinals last season and had 39 tackles and three sacks to go with seven quarterback hurries."We picked up Ross for a reason," Childress said. "He can play football."---QUICK HITS: The day after practicing in the searing heat, the first installment of fully padded two-a-days began in the rain. It was about 25 degrees cooler, too, though it dried out and warmed up for the afternoon session.In the morning, the biggest hit was applied by linebacker Rod Davis against running back Mewelde Moore. The two were college rivals, with Davis at Southern Mississippi and Moore at Tulane. "He's doing his job. That's part of the game," Moore said, smiling. "It doesn't matter. We're here to play football. You get hit. You give hits. And you continue to play."Rookie defensive tackle Manase Hopoi - who played at the University of Washington - has swelling in his left foot. He was limited in Tuesday's practice.Fullback Tony Richardson will attend this weekend's Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Ohio, to honor former Vikings quarterback Warren Moon. Richardson and Moon played together with Kansas City.</div>
Re: Koren spends offseason trying to get himself "right" Having to worry about actually winning football games now and not just preparing for them, I doubt alcohol will be as big of a distraction for him.. he should be fine.
