3 Vikings Arrested in Skirmish at Nightclub

Minnesota Vikings players Anthony Carter, Carl Lee and Darryl Harris were arrested early today after a skirmish outside a nightclub, police said.

Carter, a wide receiver, and Lee, a defensive back, were arrested on disorderly conduct charges. Harris, a running back, was arrested on a charge of obstructing the legal process, Sgt. Dennis Bernstrom said.

Also arrested was Lee’s wife, Donna, on a disorderly conduct charge.

Deputy City Atty. Mitchell Rothman said that the charges against Carter, Lee and his wife are misdemeanors and that the charge against Harris is a gross misdemeanor.

Rothman said he was told that arraignment for the four is scheduled for Dec. 22 in Hennepin County District Court.

No details were available about the altercation, which happened outside Norma Jean’s in south Minneapolis. Bernstrom said the arrests were made after 1 a.m. for a “continuing offense observed by officers.”

Rash of Arrests

Vikings spokesman Merrill Swanson said this morning that he was waiting to read police reports about the arrests before commenting.

There has been a rash of arrests of Vikings players, mainly on charges of driving while intoxicated.

The most recent case involved Ray Berry, who pleaded innocent to a drinking and driving charge and other charges stemming from a one-car accident in Eden Prairie in September.