Vikings Star Jordan Addison Cleared of Trespassing Allegations in Florida
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison has seen a trespassing allegation against him formally dropped after his arrest earlier this year. The development marks a significant legal reprieve for the young athlete, whose attorneys are now moving to pursue a civil claim arising from what they describe as a wrongful arrest.
Arrest and Swift Dismissal of Charges
Addison was arrested at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tampa, Florida, in the early hours of January 12, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. The timing was particularly notable, occurring just one month after his probation for a previous DUI offence was terminated early.
However, on Tuesday, following a review of the criminal report, Hillsborough County State Attorney Susan S. Lopez signed a 'Notice of Termination of Prosecution' document, officially dismissing the case. The receiver had initially been charged with a first-degree misdemeanor for trespassing in an occupied structure or conveyance and was released on a $500 bond.
Legal Team Announces Civil Claim Plans
According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, Addison's legal representatives are now preparing to file a civil claim. This action stems from their assertion that the arrest was wrongful from the outset.
The 23-year-old's attorney emphasised this position in a statement, saying: 'As Mr. Addison’s agent has advised, from the very outset of this incident and arrest, Mr. Addison committed no legal wrong doing. We are thrilled that the truth was finally revealed and this poor man’s name was not besmirched any longer. I am thankful we were able to bring this to light as quickly as possible.'
Details of the Casino Incident
An incident report obtained by TMZ provided further context to the events. It stated that Addison was asked several times to leave the Noodle Bar at the Hard Rock Casino in Tampa but refused. The specific reasons casino staff wanted him to depart remain unclear.
While being escorted out of the establishment, Addison reportedly had to be redirected towards the exit on multiple occasions, according to the documentation.
Recent Legal History and NFL Discipline
This incident occurred less than a month after Addison's punishment for a DUI conviction concluded earlier than anticipated. His previous run-in with the law took place in July 2024, when he was arrested on suspicion of DUI near Los Angeles International Airport after allegedly falling asleep behind the wheel of a Rolls Royce, blocking a freeway lane.
Addison, who became familiar with Los Angeles during his collegiate career as a star receiver at USC, initially denied the allegations. He later agreed to a plea deal with prosecutors, pleading guilty to a lesser 'wet reckless' driving charge.
His sentence included 12 months of probation, a requirement to complete two online courses, and a $390 fine. While the legal penalties were relatively modest, the NFL imposed its own discipline, suspending Addison for the first three games of the season for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
The dismissal of the trespassing case represents a positive turn in Addison's off-field matters, though the planned civil claim suggests the legal ramifications of the January arrest are far from over.
