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Minnesota Vikings Suspends Offensive Coordinator for Traffic Stop Incident
The Minnesota Vikings recently took the decision to suspend their offensive coordinator, Wes Phillips, for a period of three weeks without pay. The suspension was a result of the legal resolution of a traffic stop incident that occurred in Minneapolis in 2023, as confirmed by the team.
Background of the Incident
The incident in question took place on December 8, when Phillips was stopped on Interstate Highway 394 at around 9:45 p.m. CT. During the stop, he exhibited signs of impairment, and his blood alcohol content was found to be 0.10, which exceeded the legal limit of 0.08 in Minnesota, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. Subsequently, Phillips was booked into the Hennepin County jail but was released the following morning after posting a $300 bond.
Despite the legal repercussions, Phillips continued working with the team through the end of the regular season. However, on February 15, he entered a guilty plea to an amended charge of misdemeanor careless driving. As part of the resolution, Phillips paid a $300 fine along with a $78 surcharge, and was also assigned to perform eight hours of community service at a nonprofit organization within 60 days.
Impact and Response from Team Management
As a consequence of the incident, the Vikings decided to suspend Phillips starting from April 3, with the suspension expected to conclude on April 22. This period will see Phillips missing out on crucial draft preparation activities, especially as the team is in pursuit of its next quarterback. Additionally, Phillips will also be absent during the first week of the team’s offseason strength and conditioning program, set to begin on April 14.
In response to the suspension, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell expressed his disappointment towards the situation. Furthermore, Phillips himself acknowledged his failure to meet both personal and professional standards. He emphasized the importance of being held accountable for his actions, learning from his mistakes, and moving forward with a positive outlook.
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