Vikings Back Michael Floyd’s Tea Defense

Image courtesy of Vikings.com
Image courtesy of Vikings.com

Receiver Michael Floyd Receives Legal Support From Hometown Vikings

In defense against accusations that he violated his house arrest, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Michael Floyd has plead ignorance.

Floyd’s alcohol-monitoring device detected positive tests while he carried out his court-ordered punishment for a December DUI. Floyd claimed the tests were flagged because of kombucha tea he had consumed that contained alcohol.

Luckily for him, Floyd received a key supporter – an NFL organization.

The Vikings decided to back their offseason acquisition, who claimed he didn’t know kombucha tea contained alcohol. According to Brian Murphy of the Saint Paul Pioneer Press, the Vikings chief operating officer, Kevin Warren, sent a letter to Floyd’s attorney to pass on to the Arizona judge overseeing the case.

“I am writing to request Mr. Floyd not have his court mandated requirements negatively impacted since he did not know the kombucha he ingested contained alcohol,” Warren wrote in the June 21 letter. The letter was also copied to Vikings’ president Mark Wilf, general manager Rick Spielman and coach Mike Zimmer.

In a sworn affidavit, Floyd said the team encourages its players to drink kombucha tea for health reasons. The wideout, who signed a 1-year deal with the Vikings in May, also said not eating and not refrigerating the tea on the day in question caused his elevated blood-alcohol levels.

The issue is the level of Floyd’s intoxication. TMZ reported the June 17th positive tests showed a blood alcohol content level between .044 and .055. It takes approximately eight bottles of kombucha tea just to get the buzz of one beer, according to this CNN article. That level of intoxication is hard to reach alone on kombucha.

Despite Floyd’s impending legal battle, the Vikings showed they’re willing to stand by their free agent pickup.

“In closing, since Michael has joined our team, he has displayed a strong work ethic, a compliant attitude and professionalism,” Warren wrote in support of Floyd.

Floyd is due in court on June 26th to explain why he tested positive for alcohol. It’s possible Floyd could wind up going to jail for not complying with court orders. The Vikings, however, want Floyd’s hearing to be canceled so he can resume his house arrest – with only five days remaining.

Borman’s Breakdown

Only the lovable Vikings would have a player face jail time due to tea.

The franchise has shown loyalty by supporting a player at a time of need. Considering the impact Floyd could have on the offense, it’s understandable.

I’m not an expert in law, but unfortunately for Floyd, courts generally don’t have a soft spot for ignorance. His NFL future may now depend on the mercy of the legal system.

This is another circumstance that proves, during the offseason, no news is good news for the Vikings.

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