Fmr. Gopher, NFL Player Marion Barber Detained For Mental Health Evaluation
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO/AP) -- Former NFL running back Marion Barber III was detained and taken for a mental health evaluation after police were called to a Dallas, Texas suburb.
Mansfield police spokesman Thad Penkala said it wasn't clear what led to the calls that prompted a response from police Sunday night. Penkala said officers took Barber to a hospital for a mental health check based on conversations with the former Pro Bowl back.
Penkala said Barber was not arrested or facing charges. He said police wouldn't know whether he was still hospitalized because they wouldn't be notified.
Barber spent six of his seven seasons with the Dallas Cowboys before finishing his career in Chicago in 2011. He rushed for 4,780 yards and 53 touchdowns.
The 31-year-old Plymouth native was a standout running back at the University of Minnesota between 2001 and 2003 before playing for the Cowboys.
"He stood out with his athletic ability for us, but even more than that was his focus on team accomplishments," Barber's former high school coach, Wayzata football head coach Brad Anderson said.
Anderson hadn't spoken to Barber or his family since Barber was detained. He only had positive things to say about his former player.
"I will say that I've known Marion to be a very level headed young man and he's very thoughtful about what he does," Anderson said. "I'm sure that's the same in this situation as well."
Barber's family still lives in Minnesota. His father, Marion Barber II, was also a Golden Gopher running back who played for the New York Jets. His younger brother, Dominique Barber, is a former Gopher defensive back and Houston Texan.
Barber spent six of his seven seasons with the Dallas Cowboys before finishing his career in Chicago in 2011.
Police have not said why they were called to the home.
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