Jordan Addison was arrested last month on suspicion of DUI. The second-year Vikings receiver is now facing charges and a likely NFL suspension stemming from that incident.
Addison faces misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence of alcohol and driving with blood-alcohol content over California’s legal limit (0.08%), as detailed by Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Addison was arrested on July 12 in Los Angeles after being found asleep at the wheel of his Rolls-Royce while on a highway. The charges were filed on July 31.
Per Goessling, Addison has a court date of October 7 in Los Angeles. If convicted, he could face up to six months in prison, though his arraignment will provide him with the opportunity to enter into a plea agreement. The 22-year-old could face a three-game personal conduct policy suspension from the NFL. That is the standard length for bans related to first offenses involving alcohol.
Selected in the first round of the 2023 draft, Addison entered the league with high expectations. Minnesota moved on from veteran Adam Thielen last offseason, paving the way for the Pitt and USC alum to take on a notable role right away. Addison racked up 911 yards and 10 touchdowns on 70 receptions as a rookie, and he will be slated to remain a starter whenever he is first eligible to play in 2024.
Presuming Addison is hit with a three-game suspension, the Vikings’ receiver depth beyond Justin Jefferson will be tested. The team has the likes of Brandon Powell, Jalen Nailor and Trent Sherfield in place as complementary options after K.J. Osborn departed in free agency this spring. Tight end T.J. Hockenson returning to full health in time for September would compensate for Addison’s absence, but as Hockenson continues to rehab a torn ACL his Week 1 availability remains in the air.
In his remarks related to the DUI arrest, Addison has stated a willingness to accept whatever discipline is handed down by the league. It remains to be seen what (if anything) that will amount to, but this latest development suggests a brief suspension should be expected in his case.