Vikings' Felton arrested on DWI charge

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Minnesota Vikings fullback Jerome Felton was arrested early Saturday morning on suspicion of second-degree DWI.

According to the Hennepin County Jail’s website, Felton refused to submit to a chemical test and was booked into the jail at 5:51 a.m. CT. The charge is considered gross misdemeanor, and bail was set at $12,000. Felton posted bail Saturday afternoon, was released and received a court time of 8:15 a.m. on July 18 at the Ridgedale Court in Minnetonka, Minn.

In a statement released Saturday afternoon, the Vikings said they "are aware of the situation and working to gather more information. We'll have no further comment at this time."

Felton, 25, was signed to a one-year, $700,000 contract by the Vikings in March as a free agent. He split 2011 between the Carolina Panthers and Indianapolis Colts, playing 14 games with three carries and four catches. A fifth-round pick by the Detroit Lions, Felton has mainly been a blocking specialist in his career and is expected to compete for the chance to fill a similar role with Minnesota after Jim Kleinsasser's retirement.

On two separate occasions last year, a Vikings player was arrested on suspicion of DWI. Quarterback Rhett Bomar was charged during training camp and released later after not making the team. Safety Tyrell Johnson's arrest was during the season, and he returned to play. Johnson signed with the Miami Dolphins as a free agent this offseason.

Minnesota also released backup running back Caleb King earlier this offseason after he was charged with assault.

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