Arrest a mistake

The attorney for Vikings cornerback Ronyell Whitaker said the arrest of his client Thursday morning on an outstanding misdemeanor warrant was a mistake and has been rectified.

Attorney Joseph Tamburino said Whitaker was pulled over on suspicion of DWI and careless driving last September and issued a citation for the latter offense.

Tamburino said he appeared in court on Whitaker's behalf and paid the $1,000 fine, but it apparently never was recorded in court computers.

As a result, when Minneapolis police officers ran Whitaker's driver’s license after observing his vehicle illegally parked downtown early Thursday morning, the arrest warrant was still open.

Whitaker was released from Hennepin County Jail at 5:28 a.m. and Tamburino said his office contacted the Ridgedale courthouse within a matter of hours.

“It was cleared up by 8:30 or 9,” he said. “They said yep, it's a mistake. We’re sorry. The case is closed.”

Tamburino said he still has the receipt for the paid fine and that Whitaker wasn’t upset by the mix-up.

"He knew it was a mistake," Tamburino said. "And he's getting his $50 bail returned."