Tom Johnson Arrested: Latest Details, Comments and More

Updates from Tuesday, Oct. 7

Ben Goessling of ESPN.com passed along comments from Tom Johnson regarding his legal issues:

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The 30-year-old Johnson deferred questions to his attorney Tuesday, other than to say, 'People in authority should be accountable. If they do something, they should be accountable just like everyone else.'

When asked about his status for Sunday's game, Johnson said everything is 'business as usual.'

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Goessling also provided a synopsis of Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer discussing Johnson's status for Sunday following practice:

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Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Tom Johnson, who was arrested early Sunday morning after he refused to leave a Minneapolis steakhouse at closing time, practiced Tuesday and is on track to play Sunday, coach Mike Zimmer said.

Zimmer would not address the details of Johnson's arrest, saying the team was still gathering information. When asked if Johnson's status for Sunday would change because of the arrest, Zimmer said, 'As of right now, no.'

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Updates from Monday, Oct. 6

ESPN.com news services passed along the details of Tom Johnson's arrest:

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Police officers used a chemical spray and stun gun to arrest Vikings defensive tackle Tom Johnson after he refused to leave a downtown restaurant after closing time, according to a Minneapolis police report released Monday.

(...)

According to the police report, Johnson was repeatedly told to leave the building and he refused. When he resisted officers, they used a chemical irritant on him and forced him outside. Once outside, he was uncooperative and police used a stun gun on him.

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The report also passed along comments Johnson and his agent on the situation:

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He told the Star Tribune on Monday: "We're going to put out a statement. . I don't know if any of that [police account] is accurate.''

Johnson's agent, Bardia Ghahremani, said in a statement Sunday night they were confident the charges were baseless and he would be exonerated.

"Upon clearing Mr. Johnson's name, we will move forward with the appropriate legal action," Ghahremani said.

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Original Text

Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Tom Johnson was arrested on Saturday evening, according to reports. 

James Monical of KSTP 5 has more details on the matter:

According to Megan Stewart of KTSP.com, "Records show 30-year-old Johnson was booked into Hennepin County Jail at 3:18 a.m. He was released around 10 a.m. after posting $78 bail."

Johnson, 30, was previously a rotational player with the New Orleans Saints. He signed this offseason with the Vikings on a one-year, $845,000 contract.   

He has had an impact for the Vikings early in the season, with seven tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble in five games this season.

For a Vikings team that has started 2-3 and is already missing several players, his loss would be felt if his pending legal issues affect his standing on the team in any way.