Vikings' K. Robinson charged with DWIs, fleeing police

MANKATO, Minn. -- The Minnesota Vikings' long-term investment in receiver Koren Robinson seemed shaky Wednesday after a DWI arrest that might cost the team one of its top offensive players.

Robinson's blue BMW sedan was caught on radar going more than 100 mph in a 55 mph zone at 10:45 p.m., and he refused to stop, chief Matt Peters said Wednesday. He was arrested by police about 10 miles away in Mankato, where the Vikings hold their training camp.

On Wednesday, Robinson, who made the Pro Bowl last season after alcohol problems derailed his career in Seattle, was charged in Nicollet County with fleeing from police, a felony, along with two DWI charges and three other misdemeanors. A criminal complaint said a field test measured Robinson's blood-alcohol content at 0.11 percent.

He appeared at a brief court hearing wearing an orange jail jumpsuit and chained at the ankles. Robinson, who posted bail of $50,000, smiled at reporters but didn't respond to questions as he left the courthouse with his wife, Joy, and a friend. His next court appearance is Oct. 17.

Koren Robinson pleaded guilty to DUI and spent a month in an alcohol treatment facility in 2005. (AP)

His attorney, Joe Tamburino, said Robinson was looking forward to being back with the Vikings as soon as possible.

"Mr. Robinson is a fine individual," Tamburino said. "He takes these matters very seriously."

His agent, Alvin Keels, didn't respond to messages for comment.

Vikings coach Brad Childress said he learned of the arrest soon after Robinson missed the team's 11 p.m. curfew Tuesday. Vikings players had Tuesday off after losing to Oakland on Monday night.

"I couldn't be more disappointed for him, for the football team, and for the community to have that happen," said Childress, adding it's too soon to know how the arrest will affect Robinson's status with the team.

The 26-year-old Robinson's history with the league includes a four-game suspension in 2004 for a second violation of the NFL's substance-abuse policy while playing for Seattle. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello wouldn't comment on Robinson's new arrest but said the league reviews cases based on its policy.

In the NFL's program, a third offense means a one-year suspension. It's not clear whether this arrest is automatically a violation, but Robinson likely won't play for a while.

After pleading guilty to driving under the influence in 2005, Robinson was released by Seattle. He later spent 28 days in a treatment facility for alcohol abuse.

Given a second chance with the Vikings, Robinson worked his way up the depth chart and finished with 22 catches for 347 yards and one touchdown while starting five games. As a kickoff returner, he made his first trip to the Pro Bowl.