When I was growing up in northern Minnesota, Carl Eller used to be one of the heroes I looked up to, as he was not only a great football player, but he went around making motivational speeches, which I attended one time and listened to him talk. It was enjoyable, to say the least.
So with that in mind, it's too bad to see he continues to struggle with chemical dependency, and was arrested for that reason. He also fled police and allegedly assaulted at least one of the officers.
If I remember correctly, Eller is about 6'6", and even at the age of 66 I bet he was a handful to have to deal with.
The Minnesota Vikings used to be one of the premiere teams in American football, and Eller was part of the famous "Purple People Eaters" defense, which was so dominant for years. He played from 1964-78, was in 4 Super Bowls, and was named six times to the Pro Bowl.
In 2004 he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Eller was seen running through a stop sign in Minneapolis by police, and they followed him. Reports are he was going through the city streets at up to 60 mph. He didn't pull over until he pulled into his garage.
At that time he refused to get out of the car, and officers (possibly because of Eller's size) called for backup. Eventually Eller got out, but at that time threatened and battles with officers. They used a Taser, but police said it didn't have any effect on Eller.
After finally being subdued, Eller was taken to Hennepin County Jail, where he refused to take a blood or breath test.
The police said they're referring the case to county prosecutors on Wednesday. Eller has pleaded guilty in the past to charges connected to substance abuse and driving.
Here's an article reporting on Carl Eller when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and a passionate plea he made to young African-Americans. It makes this story even more unfortunate for Eller and those who have looked up to him.
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