Minnesota Vikings Star Could Face Suspension Following Legal Trouble

Once upon a time, the Minnesota Vikings had a streak of players getting into legal trouble. Thankfully that trend has generally ended, but an up-and-coming star on the team has had two run-ins with police in the last two years that have me hoping a new trend isn't beginning.

In mid-July, Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison was arrested on suspicion of DUI while in California. Addison was found asleep behind the wheel of a Rolls Royce that was blocking a lane of traffic on a freeway in the Los Angeles area, being arrested around 11:30 pm on July 12.

This came almost exactly a year after Addison was given a citation for some rather aggressive speeding (140 mph in a 55 mph zone) in the Twin Cities last summer.

Addison's 2024 suspected DUI arrest has led to formal charges, with arraignment scheduled for October 7. ESPN reports he was charged with a pair of misdemeanors. One for driving under the influence of alcohol, and the other for driving with .08% blood alcohol content.

Since the incident, Addision has commented on the situation, saying he was in a "dark place", going on to say "Whatever's out there for me, whatever comes with it, I'll own up to everything. I feel like anything that comes my way is meant to happen or is deserved." He remarked "I'm just going to keep learning. I'm saying that's all I can do, is just learn from my mistakes and keep moving forward. That's what it is."

Besides any potential legal ramifications that could be handed down later this year, he could also face punishment from the league. As ESPN reports, the NFL could hand down a suspension after the legal system completes its proceedings.

The NFL's policy for situations like this points to first-offense discipline measures to include a minimum suspension without pay for three games or postseason games.

First and foremost, thankfully nobody was hurt (or worse) in this incident, which came just days after the tragic death of his teammate Khyree Jackson. Second, hopefully his words about learning from his mistakes hold true and he can find support for whatever put him in the dark place he mentioned related to the incident.