This Just In

By Hadleyblogger Steve

Coach Praises Team's Mid-Season Form After DWI Arrest

ST. PETER, Minn. - At his daily press briefing, Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress pronounced himself satisfied with the news of wide receiver Koren Robinson's arrest for two counts of DWI in connection with a high-speed police chase Tuesday night in Mankato.

"This just demonstrates that our squad is hitting mid-season form weeks ahead of schedule," said Childress, obviously pleased with the latest criminal developments surrounding his team. "We've had so many transitions this year - a new head coach, new ownership, a new starting quarterback, a whole new system, really. Naturally, we wondered how the players would deal with it, whether they could live up to the tradition this franchise has established. This incident shows we're there already."

Robinson allegedly had a 0.11 percent blood alcohol level when finally pulled over by the police after leading them on a chase that at times topped 100 miles per hour. He is also facing misdemeanor charges of reckless driving, careless driving, and driving after a license suspension. He wore an orange jumpsuit and ankle shakles in his court appearance earlier today.

"That has to make you feel good," said Childress. "The Vikings are purple-and-gold, but we've always felt very comfortable in orange, too. And when we're comfortable and in our routine off the field, you just know that has to bode well for what's going to happen on the field as well. This is what the Minnesota Vikings football team is all about - our opponents know it, our fans know it, and the local police departments know it." Referring to Robinson's triple-digit speed during the chase, Childress reminded reporters that he has constantly stressed the need for quickness at the wide receiver position. "Koren just stepped up to the plate and showed us all a new dimension," he said with satisfaction.

Asked whether Robinson faced any team disciplinary action for his infractions, Childress was noncomittal. "This is still the preseason - hell, we've only played one game. It's way too early to determine team leadership for the regular season. I mean, who knows what other kinds of misdemeanors and felonies the rest of the team may have in them?"

Childress concluded the briefing with an optimistic analysis of the upcoming season. "Like I said, we usually don't see this kind of activity until we're several games into the regular schedule. We're way ahead of our timeline, and you've got to feel good about that."