Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison has pleaded guilty to a “lesser” charge of “wet reckless,” and the NFL has offered its initial thoughts.
“In California, where Addison was cited, that means he will plead guilty to reckless driving with the involvement of alcohol,” ESPN’s Kevin Seifert wrote on July 17. Addison will be placed on probation for 12 months, pay a fine and complete two online courses.
“We have been closely monitoring all developments in the matter which remains under review,” the NFL said in a statement, per Seifert on X.
Addison has participated in Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) “events and programs.”
“Today, after careful consideration of the charges against him and all defenses, Jordan Addison decided to plead to a lesser included vehicular offense, commonly referred to as a ‘wet reckless.’ Tim Younger of Younger & Associates posted on X on July 17, announcing the decision.
“Mr. Addison will pay a standard fine and complete two online courses after which we expect that his probation will be terminated early in six months. Over the past year, he voluntarily participated in MADD events and programs and, after reflection, decided to enter this plea understanding the ramifications of this decision. He has kept the organization apprised throughout these legal proceedings, and will continue in his full commitment to being a valuable member of his team.”
https://x.com/YoungerAssoc/status/1945890455566315828
This decision sets the stage for Addison and the Vikings.
Vikings WR Jordan Addison Could ‘Forfeit’ Significant Salary
The charge stems from his suspected DUI arrest outside of Los Angeles International Airport in July 2024. Police found Addison, who was asleep in his car, blocking a lane of the Glen Anderson Freeway and arrested him.
Police accused him of driving with a blood-alcohol level above the legal limit in Minnesota (0.8).
The Vikings selected Addison, 23, with the No. 23 overall pick of the 2023 draft. However, he has also had two run-ins with authorities since the Vikings drafted him.
Addison is facing significant financial losses.
“#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,” Spotrac’s Michael Ginnitti posted on X on July 17.
Attorney Jacqueline Sparagna lauded Addison for avoiding the trial process and accepting responsibility.
“While Mr. Addison’s case would have made for a great trial, I admire him for taking responsibility by accepting the city attorney’s ‘wet reckless’ offer,” Sparagna said, per Seifert in his full report. “Now he can put this incident behind him and solely focus on his promising career.”
Addison and the Vikings are not out of the woods yet, though.
Jordan Addison Facing Suspension Ahead of Extension-Eligibility
Seifert noted that Addison’s admitting to using alcohol keeps the NFL’s policy on substances of abuse in play.
CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones speculated in a post on X that the league office could suspend Addison for “1-3 games.” His opinion was based on “precedent” and “potential mitigating/aggravating factors,” meaning the wideout would forfeit $88,000 to $264,000.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell spoke out against Addison’s actions.
The incident followed the death of 2024 fourth-round pick Khyree Jackson in a car crash in July of last year. The driver of the other vehicle in the crash faces DUI charges as well.
Addison is entering Year 3 of his four-year, $13.7 million rookie contract with the Vikings. He has two more guaranteed seasons on his contract. The Vikings will also have a decision to make about his fifth-year option or a possible extension next offseason.