Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison has been charged with two misdemeanors following his arrest in Los Angeles last month on suspicion of driving under the influence.
Addison, a first-round pick by Minnesota in last year’s NFL Draft, was arrested shortly after 11 p.m. on July 12. He was found asleep at the wheel of his vehicle, which was blocking the primary freeway offramp to LA International Airport. California Highway Patrol officers conducted a DUI investigation and subsequently arrested the 22-year-old.
He was released from custody shortly after 1:30 a.m. the following morning. According to the Star Tribune, Addison now faces two misdemeanor charges related to the incident. If convicted, he could face up to six months in jail and fines up to $2,000, along with a potential six-month driving suspension.
In addition to legal consequences, Addison may also face disciplinary action from the NFL. Under the league’s policy on substances of abuse, players can face a three-game suspension for a first criminal offense related to alcohol use.
RELATED: Video: Vikings’ Rookie WR Jordan Addison Driving 140 MPH Before Being Pulled Over
This is not Addison’s first run-in with traffic-related offenses. Last July, before his rookie season, he was cited in Minnesota for speeding and reckless driving after being clocked at 140 mph. However, no alcohol or drug-related charges were filed in that case, which might mitigate his punishment this time.
After being selected 23rd overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, Addison had an impressive rookie season, catching 70 passes for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning a spot on the NFL All-Rookie team.
In response to Addison’s recent arrest, the Vikings stated: “We are aware of Jordan Addison’s arrest this past Friday and are currently gathering more information regarding the incident.”
The arrest comes at a tragic time for the Vikings organization, as just eight days earlier, rookie fourth-round pick Khyree Jackson was one of three people killed in a car crash in Maryland. Jackson was 24 years old.
Before Jackson’s tragic death, Addison had praised his talent, urging fans not to overlook him. When asked which player fans should not “sleep on” for the 2024-25 season, Addison told Metro Sport, “Khyree, the cornerback we just got. Don’t sleep on him.”
Addison’s current legal troubles and the loss of a promising teammate add to the challenges facing the young wide receiver and the Vikings organization.
