Scout.com: Eller gets jail time

Eller gets jail time

This story originally published on VikingUpdate.com

Carl Eller

By Viking Update Staff

Posted Feb 23, 2009

Vikings Hall of Famer Carl Eller was led from a Minneapolis courtroom this morning on his way to serving at least two months in the state workhouse following his setencing in Hennepin County court.

Vikings legend Carl Eller left a Minneapolis courtroom this morning on his way to jail for at least two months of a four-month sentence stemming from his assault of a Minneapolis police officer.

Eller, 67, was convicted of fourth-degree assault from an incident last spring, was ordered by Hennepin County District Judge Daniel Mabley to serve at least two months of his four-month sentence in the workhouse. Also found guilty of refusal to submit to chemical testing, the two charges will run concurrently. Both charges are deemed gross misdemeanors under Minnesota law.

The courtroom became an emotional scene, as Eller’s mother Ernestine wept openly as her son was taken away in shackles. She was heard to say, “No, no, I need him to take me home.”

Last month, Eller filed a federal lawsuit alleging that police destroyed or hid video evidence of the brawl with police, which was said to exist on dashboard cameras, but was never introduced in court. In his ruling, Judge Mabley said the state proved its case that Eller had been drinking and assaulted police officer Gil Antaya.

Eller was taken from the courtroom in handcuffs and will immediately start serving his sentence.

MONDAY NOTES

Former Viking Tony Richardson is close to re-signing with the Jets. After being let go by the Vikings following the 2007 season, Richardson signed with the Jets. A deal is expected to be finalized before free agency begins Thursday.

Colts legendary receiver Marvin Harrison is asking for his release after he and the Colts front office couldn’t reach a deal an agreement on a restructured contract. Harrison, who is set to have a cap number of $13.4 million this year, has seen his role in the offense reduced and his pay far exceeded by his play. There has been a lot of speculation that Harrison will end up with the Eagles and former college teammate Donovan McNabb.

It could be a bad week for veteran wide receivers. Aside from Harrison, there is a possibility that in the coming days and weeks, former Pro Bowl players Terrell Owens, Plaxico Burress, Torry Holt and Javon Walker could all be released.

Although they only have until Thursday to get a deal done, rumor has it that the Cardinals and Kurt Warner are moving toward an agreement that would keep the Super Bowl QB off the open market.

Wide receiver Michael Crabtree said that he will delay having surgery on the stress fracture in his foot until after he conducts his individual workout next month. Crabtree is expected to go as high as No. 4 to Seattle and likely not make it past the Raiders at No. 7 in April’s draft.

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