The Minnesota Vikings' Offseason Just Took An Ugly Turn

As the Chicago Bears prepare for an important 2024 season, they go in knowing that they'll have to slug their way past a stacked NFC North division to reach their goal. Most people talk about the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers as primary antagonists since each made the playoffs last year. However, the Minnesota Vikings shouldn't be ignored. They still have lots of talent on both sides of the ball, especially at the wide receiver position with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.

Well, unfortunately for the Vikings, their off-season got more complicated. According to the Los Angeles Daily News, Addison was arrested this weekend on suspicion of drunk driving.

Former USC wide receiver and current Minnesota Vikings star Jordan Addison was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving after being caught asleep at the wheel near LAX, authorities said Sunday.

The California Highway Patrol was dispatched at about 11:10 p.m. Friday to a report of a disabled vehicle blocking lanes from the westbound Glen Anderson (105) Freeway to northbound Sepulveda Boulevard, according to a CHP statement.

Officers responding to the area reported a white Rolls-Royce blocking the number one lane of the freeway “with the driver asleep behind the wheel,” according to the CHP.

Addison, 22, was arrested at approximately 11:36 p.m. after a DUI investigation was complete. He was released at 1:36 a.m. Saturday, the CHP added.

What makes this look even worse is that it's the second such incident Addison has been involved in since joining the Vikings. Literally almost one year ago to the day, he was pulled over for speeding and reckless driving. He was reportedly going 140 mph. This new issue suggests he learned nothing from that setback last year and is proving less than reliable off the field.

The Minnesota Vikings or NFL could end up suspending Addison.

Safety Marcus Maye was suspended for three games last year because of a DUI. The same happened with Deonte Harris of the New Orleans Saints in 2021. That should give you an idea of what awaits Addison, depending on what the investigation turns up. If it's determined he was driving while intoxicated, this would mark the second car-related crime he's committed in less than a year. There is no question the NFL would be inclined to suspend him for at least three games.

That would be a bad outcome for the Minnesota Vikings since two of their first three games of the season will be against the San Francisco 49ers and Houston Texans. What makes this incident even worse is Addison's own teammate, rookie Khyrie Jackson, was killed in a drunk driving incident earlier this month. The fact he ignored all of that and still did something so idiotic speaks to his questionable character. It is bad optics all around. The league may have to crack down to send a message.