Ex-Viking Carl Eller jailed after scuffle with police

MINNEAPOLIS — Former Minnesota Vikings great Carl Eller was jailed Wednesday after allegedly fighting with police after being stopped for possible drunken driving.

Eller was held on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, fleeing police and assaulting a police officer.

Police Inspector Mike Martin said officers in north Minneapolis saw an SUV speed through a stop sign and gave chase. The SUV reached speeds of up to 60 mph through city streets.

Martin said the SUV didn't stop until it pulled into Eller's garage about 1 a.m. Wednesday.

Martin said the officers asked Eller to get out of the vehicle. He refused at first, but got out and threatened and fought with officers, throwing one onto the hood of the SUV.

Police used a Taser, but Martin said it had no effect and called for backup. During the scuffle, officers put the 66-year-old Eller into a neck hold until help arrived.

When more officers arrived, they subdued Eller and took him to the Hennepin County Jail. Eller refused to take a breath or blood test.

Eller was a member of the famed "Purple People Eaters" in his 15 years as a defensive end with Minnesota from 1964 to 1978. He played in six Pro Bowls and all four of the Vikings' trips to the Super Bowl. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004.

Martin said Eller did not request a lawyer when he was questioned and it was unclear if he had hired one.

One of the officers involved in the arrest was treated for a black eye and bruises.

In 2006, Eller was charged in the suburb of Golden Valley with driving under the influence. He later pleaded guilty.

Eller has acknowledged his history as a substance abuser. He has spoken to groups about the problems of chemical dependency.

Notes

• Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said the momentum for a trade for suspended Tennessee Titans defensive back Pacman Jones is dying. Jerry Jones was optimistic something could be completed at the NFL owners meeting last week, but said, "I think the longer that it goes, the less likely [it will be done]." Pacman Jones is expected to apply for reinstatement to the NFL as early as today.

• The House Judiciary Committee intends to hold more hearings on the benefits programs for retired NFL players. In releasing a 144-page report from the Congressional Research Service, chairman John Conyers said additional government intervention was needed. The committee requested the study after last summer's hearings.

• Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najeh Davenport was acquitted of a misdemeanor domestic-violence charge in Cleveland Municipal Court.

• The Miami Dolphins met with agent Tom Condon to discuss a contract that would make Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long the NFL's first overall pick in 2008.

• Arizona re-signed safety Oliver Celestin to a one-year deal.