MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Three Minnesota Vikings players were arrested after a fight outside a downtown bar early Sunday.

Vikings coach Mike Tice confirmed to The Associated Press the arrests of linebackers E.J. Henderson and Mike Nattiel, and tight end Steve Farmer.

``I have not been able to find out anything concrete yet,'' Tice said.

ADVERTISEMENT

A man injured in the fight, Troy Jones, 32, of Brooklyn Center, was taken to Hennepin County Medical Center and then discharged later on Sunday, a hospital spokeswoman said.

Police released the names of those arrested, but would not confirm that the three are Vikings players.

Officers said they saw the men who were arrested assaulting the victim, Reier said. After the man was knocked unconscious, he continued to be kicked, punched and stomped on his body and head, police spokesman Ron Reier said.

Police had to call in officers from other precincts to disperse the crowd, Reier said.

The Vikings players and the fourth man arrested were released from the Hennepin County Jail later Sunday, a dispatcher said. They could be charged on Monday or Tuesday.

Henderson had 27 tackles in 16 games in 2003, and Nattiel had 24 tackles and one interception. Farmer was signed by the Vikings as a rookie free agent in May 2003.

Updated on Sunday, Jun 6, 2004 8:53 pm EDT

Email to a Friend | View Popular