Jordan Addison of the Minnesota Vikings warms up prior to a game against the Green Bay Packers in Minneapolis, Minn., on Dec. 31, 2023. (David Berding/Getty Images)
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison, a former standout at the University of Southern California (USC), was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving after authorities found him asleep at the wheel near Los Angeles International Airport.
The incident occurred around 11:10 p.m. on July 12, according to an emailed statement to The Epoch Times from the California Highway Patrol (CHP), when officers received a report of a stopped vehicle obstructing traffic from the westbound Glen Anderson (105) Freeway onto northbound Sepulveda Boulevard.
Responding officers discovered a white Rolls-Royce blocking the number one lane, with Mr. Addison, 22, asleep in the driver’s seat.
Mr. Addison was taken into custody at approximately 11:36 p.m. on July 12 following a DUI investigation, and was released at 1:36 a.m. on July 13, two hours after his arrest, according to CHP’s statement.
The Vikings said on Monday that they are aware of Mr. Addison’s incident and are gathering more information but had no further comment.
Mr. Addison could not be reached for comment.
The incident follows the tragic death of Minnesota Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson on July 6. Mr. Jackson, 24, was killed in a triple-fatality vehicle collision in Maryland.
According to a statement by Maryland State Police, an Infiniti struck the Dodge Charger Mr. Jackson was traveling in, and he was pronounced dead on the scene by emergency medical service personnel. Mr. Jackson was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft.
Football Career
Before his time at USC, Mr. Addison achieved consensus All-American status and won the Fred Biletnikoff Award in 2021 while playing for the University of Pittsburgh. He transferred to USC in May 2022 and was later selected 23rd overall in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Vikings. In his rookie season, Mr. Addison recorded 70 receptions for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Mr. Addison was chosen by the Minnesota Vikings with the 23rd overall pick in the first round of the NFL draft in April 2023.
Mr. Addison has had an impressive start to his NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings, showcasing his talent and reliability as a key player. In the 2023 season, Mr. Addison recorded 70 receptions, 911 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns, averaging 13.0 yards per catch. His standout performance has positioned him among the top rookie wide receivers in the league, demonstrating his ability to make big plays and consistently contribute to his team’s success.
The Associated Press contributed to this article