Jordan Addison Pleads Guilty in DUI Case; Faces Possible NFL Sanction
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison pleaded guilty Thursday to a misdemeanor charge to resolve a 2024 DUI citation, according to his attorney.
This agreement, however, does not exempt him from possible sanctions by the NFL.
The NFL did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
According to lawyer Jacqueline Sparagna, Addison will plead guilty to what is known as a charge of “reckless driving with alcohol.” In California, where Addison was cited, this implies that he will plead guilty to reckless driving with the involvement of alcohol. Addison will be on probation for 12 months, must pay a fine, and complete two online courses.
“While Mr. Addison’s case would have been a great trial, I admire him for taking responsibility by accepting the city prosecutor’s offer of ‘reckless driving with alcohol.’ He can now put this incident behind him and focus solely on his promising career,” Sparagna stated.
Jacqueline Sparagna, Attorney
The NFL’s substance abuse policy and program remain relevant, as Addison’s guilty plea acknowledges the use of alcohol in a driving incident. The policy states, in part: “In the absence of aggravating circumstances, the discipline for a first offense will be a suspension without pay of three regular season or postseason games.”
Addison had a jury trial scheduled for Tuesday, but it was postponed while plea bargain talks continued.
In a post on X, agent Tim Younger wrote that Addison “carefully considered the charges against him and all defenses” and understood the “ramifications of this decision.” Compliance with the terms of the guilty plea should end probation within six months, Younger wrote.
“He has kept the organization informed during these legal proceedings,” Younger added, “and will continue with his full commitment to being a valuable member of his team.”
Addison, the Vikings’ first-round pick in 2023, was charged in July 2024 with driving under the influence and driving with at least a 0.08% blood alcohol content after a West Los Angeles police officer found him asleep at the wheel of a white Rolls Royce blocking a westbound lane of the I-105 near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Speaking to reporters in Minnesota at the start of the 2024 training camp, Addison said he was in a “dark place” after his arrest.
When asked about potential NFL discipline last summer, Addison said: “Whatever is to come, whatever comes with it, I will take responsibility for everything. I feel like anything that happens to me is destined to happen or is deserved.”
The incident occurred almost a year after Addison was cited for driving 140 mph on a Minnesota highway in July 2023. He subsequently agreed to plead guilty to a lesser speeding charge, and a reckless driving charge was dismissed. He paid $686 in fines.
In two seasons with the Vikings, Addison has started in 29 games, accumulating 133 receptions for 1,786 yards and 19 touchdowns.
