Vikings middle linebacker Erin Henderson will sue Minnesota’s Department of Public Safety after he was arrested Nov. 19 for drunken driving, according to the Pioneer Press.
According to the same report, Henderson, who missed practice last week as well as Minnesota’s game against Green Bay for a “personal reason,” is suing to prevent the revocation of his drivers license after registering a .11 blood-alcohol level on a traffic stop.
The Vikings leading tackler claims police did not have reasonable and probable cause to believe he violated the law, and that there was insufficient evidence to warrant a traffic stop.
Henderson had this to say on the matter.
Henderson on arrest: "It is a strange situation but I can't really go into too much detail in depth. I'm sure you guys will learn more."
— Brian Murphy (@murphmedia_) November 27, 2013
Head coach Leslie Frazier would not comment on why Henderson missed the past week with the team, but Henderson essentially confirmed this issue was the “personal reason.”
Erin Henderson said "all parties involved thought it might be best to step away" last week following arrest; is dealing with personal matter
— Brian Murphy (@murphmedia_) November 27, 2013
General manager Rick Spielman released this statement on the matter.
“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 other two “off-field situations” Spielman is referring to are wide receiver Jerome Simpson’s drunken driving arrest, and cornerback A.J. Jefferson’s arrest on suspicion of domestic assault.
Jefferson was subsequently released by the team Monday, while Simpson was benched against Seattle.
According to Ben Goessling of ESPN, Simpson is suing the state on the same grounds as Henderson.
https://twitter.com/GoesslingESPN/status/405772478229647360
Henderson will play Sunday against Chicago, but likely will not start as punishment for the situation.
UPDATE: The Eden Praire police department released this statement on Henderson’s arrest. The Pioneer Press’ Ben Goessling summarizes it well.
https://twitter.com/GoesslingESPN/status/405773152443039744
