Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson was arrested early Saturday morning in Houston following an altercation with a police officer.
The 27-year-old football player, who is generally described as classy, respectful and professional, was arrested around 2:30 a.m. CDT after he allegedly pushed an off-duty police officer who was working security at Live! at Bayou Place in Houston, TX.
The off-duty officer was asking patrons to leave the bar at closing time, and when he asked Peterson and his friends to leave, Peterson told him “Hey man, we heard you the first time,” and pushed the officer in the shoulder, causing him to stumble.
The officer then asked Peterson to turn and and place his hands behind his back because he was under arrest. The Vikings running back refused, and as the officer tried to place him in handcuffs, Peterson began shouting and assumed an aggressive stance. A second officer approached, but Peterson continued to resist arrest. When a third officer arrived, the football player was handcuffed and taken to jail.
Daniel Maher, general manager of the club, says that Peterson, who has been to the club before but never drinks much, was a very drunk and difficult customer Friday night.
After being denied another drink at closing time, Peterson tried to intimidate the bartender into selling it to him, according to Maher.
Peterson continued to be unreasonable when Maher intervened, and that’s when the off-duty officer stepped in.
“He looked really scary and I thought he was gonna attack the cops,” says Maher.
According to Maher, once he was subdued by officers, Peterson apologized for his behavior and told them he usually doesn’t drink.
Peterson was taken to jail and charged with resisting arrest. He was released at 10:14 a.m. and is scheduled to appear before a judge on Friday, July 13.
Multiple witnesses recorded portions of the incident with their phones, (see video below), and surveillance video from the club will likely show what actually went down as well.
“We are aware of the situation,” the Vikings said in a statement. “We will withhold further comment until more information is known.”
photo: DJDM/WENN