Former Minnesota Vikings defensive end Janarius Robinson was apprehended and charged with suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) during Super Bowl week in Las Vegas after reportedly colliding with a woman using his truck in a resort valet area, as outlined by numerous local reports.
Las Vegas law enforcement responded to the Aria Resort & Casino on the strip at approximately 7 a.m. on February 6 following a report of a woman struck by a vehicle and subsequently “pinned between two cars,” according to police statements relayed by CBS affiliate 8 News Now.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal’s David Wilson stated that the injured woman was transported to the hospital.
Robinson, aged 24, was identified as the driver of the vehicle, a 2022 Ram 1500, and purportedly failed field sobriety tests, as reported by The Las Vegas Review-Journal. Robinson was subsequently released and is slated to appear in court on June 4, according to Las Vegas’ NBC affiliate News 3.
Originally a fourth-round selection by the Vikings in 2021, Robinson is presently under contract with the Las Vegas Raiders and remains on their roster.
In response to Robinson’s arrest, the team issued the following statement: “The Raiders are aware of an incident involving Janarius Robinson last night. The club is in the process of gathering more information,” as per CBS Sports.
During the arrest, Robinson, who allegedly emitted an odor of alcohol and appeared intoxicated, informed the police that he had not consumed any other substances, according to 8 News Now. Robinson claimed to have consumed two drinks starting at 10 p.m. and ceased drinking at 11 p.m., approximately seven hours prior to the collision that occurred at 5:45 a.m., as outlined by the outlet.
Authorities stated that Robinson failed field sobriety tests and was charged with misdemeanor DUI, as reported by The Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Robinson’s attorney, Ross Goodman, asserted in a statement on Friday that Robinson performed satisfactorily on the field sobriety tests. “There are also no presumed levels of what Mr. Robinson’s blood alcohol content was at the time of driving since the blood draw did not take place until approximately 3 hours later,” Goodman stated, according to The Las Vegas Review-Journal. “We look forward to showing Mr. Robinson is not guilty of a DUI.”
When Robinson was drafted in 2021, he was seen as the Vikings’ next potential breakout player, akin to Danielle Hunter.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 266 pounds, Robinson exhibited impressive athletic prowess despite modest college statistics at Florida State.
Star Tribune reporter Ben Goessling lauded Robinson during rookie minicamps, comparing his physique to that of Danielle Hunter and highlighting his potential under the tutelage of acclaimed defensive line coach Andre Patterson.
Andre Patterson, recognized for cultivating Pro Bowl talents like Hunter and Everson Griffen, commended Robinson’s athletic capabilities and expressed enthusiasm about working with him, considering him a coveted draft prospect.
Unfortunately, Robinson’s rookie season was cut short due to a preseason leg injury. He was subsequently released in 2022 amid organizational changes and eventually joined the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad.
Robinson managed to play in two games last season, recording a sack against the Vikings in Week 14.
