Going into the 2011 NFL Draft, Auburn's Nick Fairley had a reputation for dirty play, having picked up numerous unnecessary personal foul penalties in college. The Vikings had an opportunity to take him with the 12th overall selection, but passed on the big defensive tackle in favor of quarterback Christian Ponder.
Turns out that Fairley is having a bit of an issue keeping things clean off the field, too.
Troopers said Fairley passed an officer's car travelling 100 mph in a black Cadillac Escalade and initially failed to yield, but eventually stopped. The officer said he showed signs of impairment.
He was charged with DUI and attempting to elude police, but troopers also said Fairley was ticketed for reckless driving, no proof of insurance and having an open container.
This is the second time this off-season that Fairley has been arrested, having been arrested back in April for marijuana possession. The NFL has not said anything about it yet, obviously, but Fairley could be running afoul of the NFL's substance abuse and/or personal conduct policies, and could be looking at a possible suspension. Considering that the Vikings will meet the Lions in Week 4 of the 2012 NFL season, it's possible that they won't be seeing Nick Fairley on the other side of the football.
Me? I'm happy that we took a player with good character that has an high ceiling over a guy that has yet to show the ability to not be an idiot.