As
you all know already, Koren Robinson has been arrested for DUI. Details
have emerged, so I'll start off with a quick briefing on the details.
At approximately 10:45 Tuesday night, Koren Robinson was arrested for
suspicion of DUI and fleeing arrest in a motor vehicle. He led police
on what was reported as a 13 Mile long police chase, involving 4
different departments. During this, he had speeds clocked in excess of
100 MPH. He was formally charged Wednesday afternoon with two counts of
DWI and fleeing arrest in a motor vehicle. It has been released that
his blood alcohol level was .09, .01 above the legal limit of .08. This is not Koren's first offense. Koren's alcohol related transgressions have been well publicized over the years, and it has led to his outright release from the Seahawks, and a four game suspension.
He is currently on probation in the state of Washington for alcohol related offenses, and has a large list of charges in Carolina, where he went to college.
Koren Robinson's actions were relatively unnecessary. It's obvious he wasn't in a sound state of mind, but at the blood alcohol level of .09, it's highly likely he was aware of what he was doing, and the consequences of his actions. While the DWI is inexcusable, his high-speed getaway attempt is unexplainable. Once the lights were behind him, Koren had no chance. People don't evade police in this day and age. With helicopters and powerful police cars, Robinson had no chance. I don't understand how he could have run from the police.
Koren is innocent until proven guilty, but I'm going to examine the impact of his actions, if the worst case scenario plays out, which would include a season-long suspension.
Koren's contract likely has language that allows the Vikings to recoup their losses if Koren has alcohol related offenses. I do not know for sure if that is the case, but I vaguely remember hearing about this when his contract extension was released. This mistake could cost Koren millions on top of possible jail-time. The Vikings may have an opportunity to go after the bonus money already payed out. It will be interesting to see how this situation will play out.
Without Koren Robinson, the Vikings receiving questions are increased. He was the #1 receiver so far this season, and was reported to be picking up the offense well. In an earlier CURTain call, i raised a question about the Vikings lacking a true #1, well that question is even bigger now.
It's time for Troy to step up. Williamson will be the #1 receiver unless a move is made. He will be given a chance to live up to his 7th overall selection. Marcus Robinson will likely be the #2 receiver for the Vikings, he has a lot of talent that has gone untapped for most of his career, and has shown flashes in his short time as a Viking. Travis Taylor will remain in the slot, where he has been excelling. This leaves a gap at 4th Wide receiver. Billy McMullen and Ryan Hoag are not good enough to fill that void, and the Vikings will either need to make a trade, or pick up a free agent who is cut. Some receivers rumored to be cut include Robert Ferguson, Charles Rogers, and Josh Reed. I'd prefer any one of these guys over the likes of McMullen and Hoag, who are much better suited for a #5 role.
Some options the Vikings have in a trade could be Jerry Porter or Ashlie Lelie. Both are unhappy with their current situations, and would likely only take a 3rd round draft choice to get them. Neither are proven commodities in the NFL, and would be definite risks, but if the Vikings are uncomfortable with Marcus Robinson as their #2 receiver, they may be forced to make a move.
With Koren's act of stupidity, Hank Baskett rumblings will only increase. Hank Baskett was traded to the eagles for WR Billy McMullen. Baskett has moved up the depth chart (due to injuries) to the #2 WR. I will not criticize the trade until Baskett performs well in a regular season game, but this trade is beginning to look very bad for the Vikings.
Anyone think the Raiders might let us have Backsies on the Moss trade? I mean, he isn't happy in Oakland...:)
Nate Burleson for a 3rd round pick is looking less appealing than ever now. But we have to remember that the 3rd round pick was used to select Tarvaris Jackson, a player who is working out quite well in limited action. For this season, it's obvious I'd rather have Burleson, but for the long-run Jackson is starting to look much nicer.