Aug. 16, 2006: Vikings receiver Koren Robinson jailed on DWI, other charges

ST. PETER, Minn. -- Vikings wide receiver Koren Robinson was charged with one felony count of fleeing in a motor vehicle, two counts of DWI and three other misdemeanors this afternoon in Nicollet County District Court. He was arrested Tuesday night in Mankato after a chase at speeds over 100 mph, police said.

Robinson allegedly had a 0.11 percent blood alcohol level, according to a criminal complaint. In Minnesota the legal definition of drunkenness in drunken-driving cases is a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or more.

Robinson also is facing misdemeanor charges of reckless driving, careless driving and driving after suspension.

At a 15-minute hearing this afternoon before Judge Allison L. Krehbiel, Robinson wore an orange jumpsuit and ankle shackles.

His bail was set at $50,000 and his next court date was set for 9 a.m. on Oct. 19. No Vikings' team representatives came to court.

Robinson left the courthouse with his wife, Joy, and declined to comment about the case.

But his attorney, Joe Tamburino, told reporters that Robinson's status with the Vikings is unclear.

"We don't have any information on that, but Mr. Robinson anticipates getting back with his team as soon as possible," Tamburino said.

At a news conference late this morning, Vikings head coach Brad Childress said, “Obviously we had an incident last night that was unfortunate.

"I couldn't be more disappointed than for him, than this football team and for this community than to have this happen.

"One of the mandates from the Wilf family is that this ship is run right. I'm trying to create a culture of accountability. You can't be driving when you've been drinking.

"I have sketchy details about (what happened). I'm disappointed but with the same idea that we need to move on."

Minneapolis-based lawyer Joe Tamburino is representing Robinson.

According to a St. Peter Police report released this morning, at about 10:45 p.m. Tuesday officers clocked a blue, 2003 BMW 760Li sedan traveling south at 104 miles per hour in a 55-mph zone on Hwy. 169.

Police officers gave chase but were unable to keep up with the car and radioed ahead to Mankato police for help, the report said.

Mankato police, Blue Earth County Sheriff's deputies, and North Mankato police eventually got the car to stop in Mankato, which is about 13 miles from St. Peter.

Robinson was arrested without incident and his car was towed away. He registered a blood alcohol level of 0.09 percent at 12:18 a.m. today, according to St. Peter police.

Robinson, 26, who is in his second season with the Vikings, reportedly was returning to training camp at Minnesota State University in Mankato.

Childress said this morning, “When you have 24 hours off it's hard to (keep track of everyone). Somebody's going to step over the line. I have no tolerance for that. And these guys understand that in no uncertain terms.

“He's going to be subject to the laws of this state and whatever the NFL deems fit. I think it'll all play itself out.

“I thought he was in a good place when he came to training camp. But I guess what you realize, if this is in fact true, is that what a demon it must be. I saw no indications -- he was having a great training camp -- but obviously it was too strong an influence.

“There's not a rush to replace (him) or anything like that.

“We need to let the legal system run its course and the NFL run its course. I need to get all the facts. I don't know why we'd want to knee-jerk."

Childress said that if he could talk to Robinson, "I'd tell him how disappointed -- you know what? He would know that. I'm sorry for him and his family. I'm sorry for this football team. And I'm sorry for this community.

"People need second chances. I'm not going to judge him or this thing until I have all the pieces that I can have.

"We talk about accountability. Accountable to the team. Accountable to each other. It's pretty straight-forward.

"You have to deal with it and move on. It's no different than somebody being injured. If he's ruled out, he's ruled out. We'll deal with it and move on."

Last month, the Vikings’ No. 1 receiver denied website allegations that he had had a sobriety relapse and said he was not in a rehab facility in South Carolina. Instead, he said he was taking “prevention classes.”

Robinson, 26, signed with the Vikings as a free agent last September after being released by Seattle in June following well-documented alcohol problems he had during his four seasons with the Seahawks. Seattle decided to part ways with Robinson after his arrest for drunken driving in May 2005.

In 2004, Robinson had been suspended for four games after violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. Seattle added on two more games for missing team meetings. The league’s action meant Robinson’s next positive test would lead to a one-year suspension.

Before joining the Vikings as a free agent last September, Robinson had gone through an alcohol treatment program. He had no off-the-field problems with the Vikings and made the NFC Pro Bowl team as a kick returner. Robinson also caught 22 passes for 347 yards and a touchdown.

A free agent, he was rewarded in March with a three-year contract that includes $5.5 million in guaranteed bonuses.

--The Associated Press contributed to this report.