Jordan Addison Legal Situation Finally Gains Some Clarity
The issue has been ongoing for a little while. Finally, there’s some legal clarity as it relates to Jordan Addison.
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert offered some of the details of the update: “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.”
Jordan Addison
The Legal Clarity & The NFL Mystery
Not too long after the initial update, Seifert offered a bit more detail.
“According to attorney Jacqueline Sparagna,” Seifert explains, “Addison will plead to what is colloquially known as a ‘wet reckless’ charge. In California, where Addison was cited, that means he will plead guilty to reckless driving with the involvement of alcohol. Addison will be placed on probation for 12 months, pay a fine and complete two online courses.”
The ESPN writer then goes on to unpack what could take place from an NFL perspective.
Indeed, keep in mind that there are two forms of discipline taking place at once: the societal, legal ramifications alongside the fines and/or suspension that could get handed out by the NFL, Addison’s place of employment.
Consider some of the update: “The NFL’s policy and program on substances of abuse remains relevant because Addison’s plea acknowledges the use of alcohol in a driving incident. The policy reads in part: ‘Absent aggravating circumstances, discipline for a first offense will be a suspension without pay of three regular or postseason games.'”
Per a Spotrac post, the financial hit is relatively large: “#Vikings WR Jordan Addison stands to forfeit over $88,000 per game missed due to suspension, and the full guarantee on his 2 years, $4.6M remaining would void.”
Since taking over, Kevin O’Connell has had to confront an issue within his offense: how to take the heat off of Justin Jefferson.
Doing so has involved welcoming some high-end skill to town. Tight end T.J. Hockenson was added before the trade deadline during the 2022 season. Last offseason, running back Aaron Jones got tossed into the mix, too, to help the offense achieve some balance between the run and the pass.
But then there was the move for Jordan Addison. He had put together a strong college career at Pittsburgh and USC before going on to become a 1st-Round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. He immediately made that selection look smart by picking up 70 catches, 911 yards, and 10 touchdowns.
As an encore, Addison’s sophomore season involved 63 catches for 875 yards and 9 scores. So, Addison isn’t an issue on the field. Quite the opposite is true. He’s someone who can damage the defense for overloading Jefferson, proving capable of shaking loose in coverage.
Despite being a bit smaller, he has proven to be an adept touchdown scorer, picking up 19 touchdowns across two seasons. He is shifty and elusive, allowing him to create separation.
The concern is the off-the-field issues. Going into both of the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Jordan Addison got in trouble for driving-related infractions. He has a pile of talent but he needs to take care of these serious driving problems.
Jordan Addison is 23.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference helped with this piece.
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