Minnesota Vikings linebacker Erin Henderson was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence on Wednesday – his second such arrest in less than two months.
#Vikings linebacker Erin Henderson arrested on suspicion of DUI again yesterday. Team is likely to release him once rosters are unfrozen.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 2, 2014
Henderson was arrested in Chanhassen. Four charges in all including second degree DWI test refusal. Booked at 3:03 pm New Year's Day.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 2, 2014
The Vikings released the following statement in regards to Henderson’s reported arrest.
“We are aware of the matter involving Erin Henderson. We are continuing to gather information and will have further comment at the appropriate time.”
According to the Carver County Sheriff’s Office, Henderson was arrested in Chanhassen. He was booked on four charges: second-degree DWI for refusing to take a breath test; third- and fourth-degree DWI; and a violation of limited driving license conditions.
TMZ reported that Henderson’s arrest came after a one-car crash.
We’re told Henderson spun out and crashed off the road. Only his car was involved. When police showed up, we’re told officers suspected he was under the influence and administered a field sobriety test, which he bombed.
Per release from Carver County, Henderson was arrested after single car accident. He collided with trees after going through grassy area
— Chip Scoggins (@chipscoggins) January 2, 2014
Henderson lost his starting job to Audie Cole earlier this season after he was arrested for probable cause DUI on Nov. 19. Henderson was leading the Vikings in tackles at that time.
“It was a wake-up call for me,” Henderson said the week after being arrested the first time, via CBS Sports. “And, honestly, it may be something that I needed in the long run, something I think will help me progress and become the person I’m capable of being and the man that I want to be.”
As the Pioneer Press reported, Henderson filed a lawsuit against the Minnesota Department of Public Safety following his first arrest, claiming police violated his constitutional rights by coercing him to take a breath test, which was measured at 0.11. The legal limit in Minnesota is 0.08.
Henderson’s latest arrest marks the fourth time a Viking has been arrested since Nov. 9. That’s when wide receiver Jerome Simpson was arrested and charged with two counts of DWI. Two weeks later, defensive back A.J. Jefferson was arrested and eventually charged with felony domestic assault. He was released just hours later.
The string of arrests was followed by a statement released by General Manager Rick Spielman.
“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.”
We’ll continue to monitor Henderson’s latest issue. The Vikings cannot release a player until after the Super Bowl, so if Pelissero is correct, the Vikings will be searching for a new linebacker in the very near future.
UPDATE:
Henderson's next court appearance is scheduled for March 3.
— Chip Scoggins (@chipscoggins) January 2, 2014
UPDATE NO. 2: According to the police report obtained by the Star Tribune, Henderson also was in possession of a small amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
