Following Mike Zimmer’s tenure, which was characterized as a “fear-based” culture in the wake of his
firing, the Minnesota Vikings sought change. However, following Jordan Addison’s arrest on July 12,
Kevin O’Connell is being questioned about his players’ lack of discipline.
On July 12, Addison was taken into custody on accusations of operating a vehicle while intoxicated close
to Los Angeles International Airport. Only five days had passed since teammate Khyree Jackson passed
away in an automobile accident in Maryland, which police think was caused by an intoxicated motorist
striking the vehicle Jackson was riding in.
Matthew Coller of Purple Insider criticized O’Connell for being too lenient when it came to punishing
coaches and players after Addison, 22, had his second driving offense in as many offseasons.
“Why would that be the case?”
be startling that if there were no repercussions at all, athletes would not respect anything regarding their
off-field behavior? “Why would anyone respect that if there are never consequences for anything that
happens off the field?” Coller remarked on July 15.
O’Connell made light last season of Addison’s previous speeding incident, in which she was stopped for
exceeding the posted speed limit of 140 mph on a Minnesota freeway.
O’Connell stated in October 2023, “He was one of my favorite players I evaluated in the draft,” as
reported by Andrew Krammer of the Star Tribune. With the exception of one instance when I drove a
little too quickly, everything has gone well ever since. We are going to really kick it with Jordan this
weekend, I think. Not to be ironic.
Authorities have not verified if On July 12, Addison was under the influence of alcohol. The Vikings are
awaiting further information on any possible discipline.
The Vikings released a statement saying, “We are aware of Jordan Addison’s arrest this past Friday and
are currently gathering more information regarding the incident.”
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