Vikings cornerback's 'saggy pants' case settled

By Judd Zulgad, Star Tribune

Last update: July 23, 2007 - 2:30 PM

Vikings cornerback Cedric Griffin, who was charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct after an April "saggy pants" incident at Spin nightclub in downtown Minneapolis, had his case resolved today at the Hennepin County Government Center.

Griffin's lawyer, David Valentini, said his client did not enter a plea and that under terms of the agreement, there will be a continuance for dismissal in one year, meaning that if Griffin has no same or similar type violations during the next year the case will be automatically dismissed without any need for future appearances. Griffin also had to pay the prosecution costs of $1,000 and agree to stay out of Spin Nightclub.

Griffin had been set to go to trial Thursday but Valentini worked out the terms of the agreement on Wednesday. Griffin, who did not have to appear in court, was arrested April 15. Witnesses said he was thrown out of the nightclub for failing to pull up his pants. A spokesperson for the Minneapolis police said officers were summoned to Spin because security members were "physically fighting" with Griffin inside.

Said Valentini: "He went down to this club with two bankers and the [police] report indicated his pants were really low. That is contrary to what the evidence would have been in the case."

It remains unclear if the NFL will take action against Griffin under the league's personal conduct policy. "We're hopeful the commissioner [Roger Goodell] will take no action based on this resolution," Valentini said.

Griffin, entering his second NFL season, was drafted in the second round by the Vikings in 2006. He replaced Fred Smoot in the starting lineup during his rookie season and will enter training camp next week starting opposite veteran Antoine Winfield.

Judd Zulgad • jzulgad@startribune.com