Henderson Arrested For DWI

Vikings linebacker E.J. Henderson was arrested last weekend for driving while intoxicated, officials at the Maryland State Police John F. Kennedy Barrack in Perryville, Md., confirmed Friday.

Vikings linebacker E.J. Henderson is the latest arrest in a series of alcohol-related incidents surrounding the Minnesota Vikings. Henderson was arrested for DWI on April 10 at 2:55 a.m., a sergeant with the Maryland State Police John F. Kennedy Highway Barrack told Viking Update Friday.

Henderson was arrested on Interstate 95 in Harford County. He still holds his residency in Aberdeen, Md., where he played high school football before going on to star at the University of Maryland. Henderson was locked up temporarily and later released on his own recognizance.

A full report was not readily available Friday but could become public as soon as Monday, another officer told VU Friday night.

Henderson was also arrested for drunk driving at 1:15 a.m. on Sept. 30, 2001, hours after a game against West Virginia, but charges were dismissed more than a year later after a judge ruled Henderson was denied his right to a speedy trial.

Vikings officials declined comment on the last weekend’s arrest.

Henderson was the Vikings’ second-round draft pick, 50th overall, in last year’s NFL draft. First-round draft pick Kevin Williams, ninth overall last year, was arrested in November 2003 for DWI.

Defensive end Kenny Mixon was sentenced to 30 days in jail and 60 days of home monitoring April 1 for drunk driving following a November 2003 arrest in the Twin Cities. It was Mixon’s fourth alcohol-related offense.

Henderson is expected to be the Vikings’ starting middle linebacker this year.