The Vikings received some unwelcome news today as Luca Evans of the O.C. Register reports that wide receiver Jordan Addison has been arrested near Los Angeles International Airport under suspicion of driving under the influence. With a history of reckless driving, it’s likely that Addison will be forced to miss some time this season. 
Addison, the Vikings’ top pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, was back in Los Angeles this weekend, where he spent the final season of his collegiate career after two years at Pittsburgh. Late on Friday night, officers responded to reports of “a white Rolls-Royce blocking the number one lane of the freeway.” Addison, the driver of that vehicle, was reportedly found sleeping behind the wheel when officers arrived at the scene. The 22-year-old was arrested at approximately 11:36 p.m. and released two hours later, at 1:36 a.m. on Saturday
This arrest comes almost exactly a year after Addison was cited for speed and reckless driving after being pulled over for driving 140 MPH on a Minnesota freeway in a Lamborghini Uus. According to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, Addison agreed to plead guilty in 2023 to a misdemeanor speeding charge and pay $686 in fines and fees, while Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune reminds us that Addison faced no discipline from the league for the incident last year.
The Vikings released a statement on the matter, saying, “We are aware of Jordan Addison‘s arrest this past Friday and are currently gathering more information regarding the incident.”
There’s still a chance, based on the wording of the reports, that Addison was not, in fact, under the influence, as the initial reports allege. Reports that he was arrested “on suspicion of DUI” and his relatively quick release make it seem as though there is a current lack of evidence to definitively lay that charge on Addison. After getting off with a slap on the wrist a year ago, there’s a possibility Addison may walk away from this situation scot-free yet again.
If he does face league discipline this time around, in the form of a suspension, a position of strength for the Vikings will quickly turn into a point of concern. Without Addison, the next top returning receivers from the room behind Justin Jefferson would be Brandon Powell (29 receptions-324 yards-one touchdown in 2023) and Jalen Nailor (3-29-0). The team also rosters Trent Sherfield, but he has been inconsistent over his six-year career, totaling 30 catches for 417 yards and two touchdowns in a 2022 campaign with the Dolphins but only amassing 48 receptions for 513 yards and three touchdowns in his five other years in the NFL. Last season with the Bills, Sherfield had 11 catches for 86 yards and a touchdown.
Time will tell what the future holds for Addison and the Vikings. Even if Addison finds a way to avoid punishment for this incident, a troubling trend is emerging for the promising, young receiver.