We Have Some Jordan Addison Traction
Vikings receiver Jordan Addison has been fantastic on the field, but a pair of off-field incidents have led to some major headaches. His latest legal issue from a year ago has finally been resolved from a legal perspective.
The Jordan Addison Case Moves Forward.
This week’s Tuesday was a long-awaited court date, but it ended up taking until Thursday to get resolved. We now at least know the punishment from the legal system.
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert summarized: “Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison pleaded no contest Thursday to a lesser charge to resolve a 2024 DUI citation, his attorney said. The plea agreement, however, still leaves him subject to NFL discipline.”
The NFL “closely monitored the situation,” and the issue “remains under review.” A suspension of three games has been expected, and it’s unclear how the plea deal affects the matter for the league, although it shouldn’t change too much.
According to Seifert, the NFL’s policy states, “Absent aggravating circumstances, discipline for a first offense will be a suspension without pay of three regular or postseason games.”
He’ll forfeit game checks worth $88,000 with each game on the sidelines.
Seifert continued, “According to attorney Jacqueline Sparagna, Addison will plead to what is colloquially known as a ‘wet reckless’ charge. In California, where Addison was cited, that means he will plead no contest to reckless driving with the involvement of alcohol. Addison will be placed on probation for 12 months, pay a $390 fine and complete two online courses.”
On the same day, fellow 2023-drafted wideout Rashee Rice received a 30-day jail sentence and a five-year probation for a traffic-related incident from last offseason. It was a busy day for the legal teams of third-year receivers.
Seifert outlined Addison’s 2024 initial incident: “Addison, the Vikings’ first-round pick in 2023, was charged in July 2024 with driving under the influence of alcohol and driving with at least a .08% blood alcohol concentration after a West Los Angeles police officer found him asleep at the wheel of a white Rolls Royce that was blocking a lane of I-105 westbound near the Los Angeles airport (LAX).”
Addison’s attorney stated, “While Mr. Addison’s case would have made for a great trial, I admire him for taking responsibility by accepting the city attorney’s ‘wet reckless’ offer. Now he can put this incident behind him and solely focus on his promising career.”
If the 23-year-old is out for the first three games, he would miss J.J. McCarthy’s first three NFL contests, and suddenly, Jalen Nailor and Tai Felton could be significant parts of the rotation.
Addison has been a deep-threat machine in Kevin O’Connell’s passing attack, catching 133 passes for 1,786 yards and 19 touchdowns in his two NFL seasons. The 23rd overall pick of the 2023 draft has been a human highlight reel, making contested catches even against bigger defenders look easy.
He formed a connection with Kirk Cousins early in his career and even helped Josh Dobbs boost his stock. Last season, with Sam Darnold throwing bombs down the field, it was often Addison on the receiving end.
The young receiver will be eligible for a contract extension next offseason. Staying out of trouble will be key for him. We’ll learn more about the NFL’s action against the Viking in the near future.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.