The Minnesota Vikings wasted no time in executing their disciplinary plan following the news of defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander.
“The Vikings have suspended DBs coach Gerald Alexander for three weeks in response to an arrest for drunken driving this spring,” ESPN’s Kevin Seifert reported on X on July 27.
In a statement provided by Seifert, Alexander accepted “full responsibility.”
Vikings Suspend Gerald Alexander After Spring Arrest
GettyThe Minnesota Vikings have suspended defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander.
“I take full responsibility for the situation I put myself in and apologize for not meeting the mark,” Alexander said, per Seifert, adding, “I know it’s unacceptable. I understand the suspension and am committed to learning from the matter and ensuring I come back a better version of myself.”
The organization, which has had several such instances in recent years, also issued a preliminary statement.
“Following Gerald’s arrest earlier this spring, we remained in communication with the NFL while awaiting the outcome of the legal process,” the team said, Seifert relayed. “With that matter now resolved, the team has suspended Gerald without pay for three weeks. The suspension, effective Friday, July 24, will conclude on Thursday, August 13, at which time Gerald will return to the team. We take these situations seriously and believe this disciplinary action is appropriate.”
Seifert rehashed the events that led to Alexander’s suspension.
“Gerald Alexander pleaded guilty to third-degree DWI for failure to submit to a chemical test,” Seifert noted. “He paid a total of $603 in fines and fees, will be on probation for 2 years and has 48 hours of community service.”
Alexander, 42, spent five seasons in the NFL as a player, with stops at the Carolina Panthers, Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins, and New York Jets.
A former second-round pick (61st overall) by the Lions in 2007, He last played in 2011.
Alexander had 159 combined tackles, 4 interceptions, 4 fumble recoveries, 3 forced fumbles, and 2.0 sacks. Alexander joined the Vikings this offseason, adding more context to this unfortunate turn of events.
Vikings Have Struggled With Off-Field Drama
GettyJordan Addison has been part of the Vikings’ troubles with the law.
Alexander’s situation is just the latest for the Vikings, who saw offensive coordinator Wes Phillips arrested in 2023. They suspended Phillips for his infraction, too, allowing him to return to the sidelines afterward.
Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison has had multiple run-ins with the law during his three NFL seasons.
It all falls on management, with head coach Kevin O’Connell at the front of the line.
As the head coach, character evaluation is just as critical as having an eye for talent, and the messaging to players loses value when the coaches–who should be the adults in the room–are falling victim to the same missteps.
Vikings Must Clean Up Off-Field Issues
GettyThe Vikings’ off-field issues ultimately fall on head coach Kevin O’Connell.
The Vikings have shown a willingness to give multiple chances, which bodes well for Alexander (and Addison), and off-field incidents are not exactly rare in the NFL.
Still, teams strive to limit distractions.
Alexander’s situation could certainly qualify, but the Vikings’ swift actions likely saved themselves from it becoming larger than their greater message or vision for the team as they begin training camp.
The hard part for O’Connell and the Vikings, it seems, is avoiding having any more setbacks in the meantime.
Vikings Make Swift Decision on DB Coach After Spring Arrest