Jordan Addison’s Legal Situation Comes to a Head
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison’s legal situation may be near a resolution.
Jordan Addison’s legal drama takes a next step as the case moves closer to resolution.
California law enforcement arrested Addison last July for an alleged DUI, and for the last 11 months, the case has tunneled through the legal system.
There’s always a mundane update on Addison’s court saga — usually just involving a delay or scheduling housekeeping item — but this week could bring more clarity.
Jury Trial Conference Hearing Set for Jordan Addison
Star Tribune‘s Ben Goessling tweeted Friday, “A jury trial setting conference is scheduled for Monday, for Vikings receiver Jordan Addison’s case in Los Angeles. Addison has pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor DUI charges stemming from a July 12 arrest after he was found asleep at the wheel near LAX.”
It’s the most tangible and actionable Addison update in months, with Monday as a possible turning point to determine the overall outcome and subsequent suspension for Addison, if applicable.
The Infraction in the First Place
In July 2023, Addison was charged with reckless driving in the Twin Cities, which he later pleaded down to a misdemeanor. Most put Addison’s antics in the rearview. Then, July 2024 arrived, and Addison was popped by police once again, this time in Los Angeles.
NBC Sports‘ Charean Williams wrote in December, “Addison was arrested July 12 after police found him asleep at the wheel near Los Angeles International Airport. He is accused of driving under the influence of alcohol and driving with blood-alcohol content in excess of the legal limit of .08 percent. Under the NFL’s substance-abuse policy, Addison faces a baseline suspension of three games.
“Addison said during training camp that he would ‘own up’ to whatever punishment the NFL gives him for his second driving-related incident in a year.”
Yogi Berra would’ve called it déjà vu all over again.
What Would a Jordan Addison Suspension Look Like?
From the football standpoint, Addison could rather realistically miss three games this season due to suspension, probably Weeks 1 through 3 if the suspension materializes.
The Vikings would turn to a few pass-catchers after Justin Jefferson, the team’s WR1. Jalen Nailor plays WR3 and could handle the workload until Addison returned, although he’s not as productive as Addison.
During the draft, the Vikings pulled Maryland wide receiver Tai Felton from Round 3, and his speedy profile may be in line to ease any pain of an Addison suspension. Too, speedster Rondale Moore joined the Vikings’ roster in free agency, and he’s searching for a reclamation season after missing all of 2024 with a season-ending injury.
The Vikings have options sans Addison, if needed.
Addison This Week on J.J. McCarthy
Unrelated to the legal situation, Addison spoke this week at mandatory minicamp, mainly about his new quarterback, J.J. McCarthy.
Addison told KSTP’s Darren Wolfson about McCarthy, “It’s going amazing. He’s a great player and even a better person, so I feel like it’s going to be easy. Come Sunday during the season, it’s going to be easy. He has a lot of swag. He has a lot of swag to him. I like his personality. It’s a great match.”
“I’m excited to go. I’m excited to play. He can make any throw on the field. I’m just gonna let y’all see. I’m not gonna say too much. I feel like I’m gonna play stronger this year. I am gonna play stronger this year. And y’all gonna see.”
The Waiting Game
The Addison legal ordeal has dragged and dragged. For fans, it’s to the point of “just get it over with,” mainly because onlookers just want to know “yes or no” on a suspension from the on-the-field angle.
Folks also hope that Addison proceeds responsibly this summer, as July seems to be problematic for the young wide receiver.
A to Z Sports‘ Tyler Forness wrote about Addison on Friday, “One of those players is wide receiver Jordan Addison. After being the 23rd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Addison has had legal issues on multiple occasions. Both of them came while operating a motor vehicle.
“His latest instance came back in July of 2024 where he was arrested on charges of Driving Under the Influence in California. That case still hasn’t been resolved, but we are moving closer to one. No matter the result of the trial for Addison, he is likely to receive a suspension for his actions.”
Addison turned 23 this offseason.
Forness added, “The standard personal conduct policy suspension for a DUI has been three games, which could end up being impactful for McCarthy as he gets his feet wet. Remember, the NFL doesn’t need a conviction in order to give out a punishment; they just wait until the case is officially closed before they make a judgment.”
Addison has three years left on his rookie contract.
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