Police used pepper spray and Taser to subdue Vikings lineman at nightspot

Police said Monday they needed pepper spray and a Taser to arrest a Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman who allegedly was refusing to leave a posh downtown Minneapolis nightspot after closing time.

Tom Johnson, a 288-pound backup defensive tackle, was apprehended about 2:50 a.m. Sunday at the Seven steakhouse at 700 Hennepin Avenue and jailed on suspicion of disorderly conduct and trespassing, according to police.

Johnson, 30, posted bail of $78 and was released from the Hennepin County jail late that morning and was scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 17.

Johnson declined Monday to address any of the details released by police, except to say, "I don't know if any of that [police account] is accurate."

His agent, Bardia Ghahremani, in a statement issued to several media outlets Sunday night, said, "After speaking with Tom Johnson and gathering facts, we are confident the charges are baseless and he will be exonerated. Upon clearing Mr. Johnson's name, we will move forward with the appropriate legal action."

A statement Sunday from the Vikings read: "We are continuing to gather information and will have further comment at the appropriate time."

Johnson joined the Vikings during the offseason. The defensive tackle has played in all five Vikings games this season, including one as a starter, and has recorded seven tackles and two sacks, and forced one fumble. He played his first three seasons with the New Orleans Saints.

Johnson was told to leave Seven "repeatedly by security and officers and [he] refused."

In response to his resisting officers, Johnson "was sprayed with department-issue chemical irritants and forced outside."

He continued to be uncooperative with officers outside, prompting police to use a Taser on him.

Seven, at the corner of 7th Street and Hennepin Avenue, is a favorite fine dining destination of big-time pro athletes, including those on visiting teams. Along with its restaurant, Seven also has two bars.

Johnson is the third Vikings player to run into legal troubles this season. Star running back Adrian Peterson was benched after being indicted in Texas last month on child abuse charges, and wide receiver Jerome Simpson was released from the team in September after being cited for drug possession and two other charges in connection with a traffic stop in Bloomington.