The NFL has announced that it is suspending Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison for the first three games of the 2025 season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

This follows Addison’s arrest in July 2024 for DUI, during which he was found asleep at the wheel and blocking a lane on the highway in his white Rolls-Royce. Amid much speculation as to the legal outcome, Addison agreed to a ‘wet reckless’ plea bargain which, in California, is a lesser misdemeanour charge of reckless driving, with the ‘wet’ indicates the involvement of alcohol or drugs.

Addison’s attorney, Jacqueline Sparagna, said he will pay a fine and complete two online courses with the expectation that his probation will be shortened from 12 to six months.

Under the terms of his suspension, the league has allowed the former first-round pick out of USC to participate in all training camp activities, including preseason games, without restriction. However, when the regular season begins, Addison will be prohibited from entering the team facility for three weeks — and will miss the Vikings’ season opener against NFC North rivals Chicago, followed by games against the Atlanta Falcons and Cincinnati Bengals in weeks two and three.

Since he was selected with the 23rd overall pick in 2023, Addison has recorded 133 receptions for 1,786 yards and 19 touchdowns. The wide receiver has shown steady progression since entering the league and is expected to again play a key role in helping the Vikings secure playoff football.

However, second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy — who has still to play a ‘competitive’ game for the Vikings — will be without his second-best weapon until week four against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a significant blow for a quarterback looking to kickstart his Minnesota career following a season-ending ACL tear in 2024.