Jordan Addison Arrested for DUI

Eventually the questions had to shift to Addison being cited for suspicion of DUI. Namely: Will there be any immediate punishment from the team for the receiver’s second offseason incident behind the wheel in as many years?

“There's a continuing legal process playing out and the NFL through the different aspects of their process to play out,” O’Connell said. “We'll let those things happen, and then in regards to specifics and details of discipline and things like that, the time will come for that clearly, but I look at it right now like I'm excited to get Jordan back in our building, get him around his teammates, and begin that process of wrapping our arms around him and twofold with the discipline and accountability being a part of it.”

Asked whether a suspension or fine would come from the NFL first or if the team would consider discipline for Addison, O’Connell said:

“With most of these situations around the league it's normally an NFL player conduct thing that a process plays out over a period of time,” the head coach said. “The legal process is still playing out as well. We'll let those things happen and work off that accordingly.”

Adofo-Mensah explained the team’s philosophy when approaching an off-field situation is more about finding solutions for Addison than dolling out punishment.

“Using words like discipline and different things like that, we don't really talk about it like that inside these walls. Inside these walls, it's about designing for the outcome we want,” the GM siad. “The outcome we want is for Jordan to be the best version of himself on the field and off the field, and he's bought into that same exact thing. So how do you do that from a planned standpoint? Who do you have to have him talk to, speak with to learn the things he needs to learn, to get to where he wants to go? That's how we're approaching it from this standpoint.”

There was a jarring juxtaposition between the team’s deep empathy for a player who died in an incident that police reports said involved alcohol and the lack of a hard line when it came to a young star’s second concerning incident behind the wheel. One can only hope that their approach will have more success this time than it did last year when he was cited for driving 140 mph.

The response to Addison’s recent arrest

Last July, the Minnesota State Patrol cited Jordan Addison, then a 21-year-old rookie, for reckless driving and speeding. He reportedly drove 140 mph in a 55 mph zone after 3 a.m. and attributed the speed to an emergency with his dog.

“I was disappointed,” O’Connell said at the time, “but it was a mistake. And I think he’s owning up to that mistake and knows that’s something that can’t happen again.”

Adofo-Mensah’s words were similar.

“Jordan, through the draft process, impressed us with the type of person he is, and obviously, he made a mistake,” the GM said. “What you see after the fact is from his representatives to his family who reached out to me — this kid was raised right. He knows he made a mistake.”

Fast forward a year. Addison, now 22, was arrested 10 days ago in California on suspicion of DUI. California Highway Patrol officers reported approaching a white Rolls-Royce with the driver asleep behind the wheel. It was Addison.

Unlike last year, Addison has yet to make a statement through the Vikings or his agent. Monday, O’Connell and Adofo-Mensah talked about the latest situation for the first time. Their comments were similar to last year’s.

“Of course we’re disappointed in Jordan,” O’Connell said.

The head coach talked about what he feels is a delicate balance: wanting Addison to feel surrounded by support while also wanting to ensure he takes responsibility for his unsatisfactory actions. “The discipline side of things and accountability and personal responsibility” are important, O’Connell said.

Adofo-Mensah, meanwhile, went back to Addison’s background.

“He holds himself to a high standard. (He) was raised by a great family. He knows the types of behaviors he needs to be the best version of himself,” Adofo-Mensah said. “He’s let himself down in that regard.

“Using words like discipline and different things like that — we don’t really talk about it like that inside these walls. Inside these walls, it’s about designing for the outcome we want. The outcome we want is for Jordan to be the best version of himself on the field and off the field, and he’s bought into that.”

As for a potential suspension or fine, O’Connell said the team would defer to the NFL’s investigative process and legal ramifications. Last year, Addison did not miss time. He pleaded guilty to speeding, and the reckless driving charge was dismissed. Addison paid $686 in fines.