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Vikings LB Erin Henderson Suing State After DWI Arrest

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Minnesota Vikings now have more players in trouble with the law than they have wins.

The latest player, middle linebacker Erin Henderson, was arrested for probable cause of driving while intoxicated and possession of a controlled substance. Now, he's suing the state, 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.

On Wednesday, Henderson apologized to the Vikings organization and his team mates today. He said he was sorry for being a distraction to a team that is struggling to win games.

"I apologize to my team mates and the organization for the situation coming on the horizon," Henderson said.

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.

Attorney David Valentini represents Henderson. He filed an implied consent petition in Hennepin County Civil court, to fight the loss of his client's license.

"When someone is stopped and they fail a test or they refuse a test they are given a notice of license revocation that case is a civil case the case that deals with the penalty is the criminal case," Valentini said.

A revocation would stay on Henderson's record, Valentini wants to prevent that.

According to the Minnesota State Patrol, this is not the first time Henderson has been under suspicion for driving under the influence. Henderson was stopped Aug. 31 near Interstate 394 and Dunwoody Boulevard after troopers noticed him weaving. He was warned and released.

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.

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