MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Minnesota Vikings linebacker Erin Henderson is suing the state after a Nov. 19 DWI arrest, saying police didn’t have probable cause to stop him.
According to the Eden Prairie Police, Henderson, 27, was arrested at 3:19 a.m. for probable cause DWI and possession of a controlled substance. The arrest occurred at the Fredrick-Miller Spring, which is located north of Flying Cloud Drive on Spring Road in Eden Prairie. Police say he blood alcohol content of .11.
Henderson was then booked at the Eden Prairie Police Department and released. The case remains under investigation.
Now, Henderson is suing the state to keep his license and driving privileges, according to court documents. The petition says he did not commit any offense that would warrant an investigatory stop.
Henderson’s arrest makes it the third arrest for the Vikings in three weeks. Cornerback A.J. Jefferson was arrested Monday morning for an alleged domestic assault and quickly released from the team. Wide receiver Jerome Simpson was arrested for DWI earlier this month.
Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman released this statement Wednesday afternoon reacting to the string of arrests on the team:
“The fact that we have had three recent off field situations is unacceptable and disappointing. Our organization looks at each situation and the circumstances involved to determine our actions with those players and how to best move forward.
The Vikings have a comprehensive approach with our player development program and excellent resources that are a part of this organization, but certainly we will take a methodical look at how we can improve upon our current programs to prevent these situations in the future.”
The Vikings held practice Wednesday and coach Leslie Frazier addressed the media about the matter. He said they are still collecting all the details on Henderson and that he won’t start this Sunday against the Bears, but will play. Henderson also addressed the media and apologized for the arrest. He said he missed practices and last week’s game at Green Bay due to “personal matters” that aren’t related to his arrest.
More information is expected, so check back on WCCO.COM and WCCO 4 News At 5 & 6.
