Jordan Addison's legal issues have official resolution while Minnesota Vikings brace for next steps

Jordan Addison pleads guilty to a lesser charge

After Tuesday, when his trial was pushed back to a conference on Thursday, something like this was likely. Cases like this often don't go to trial and end in some kind of settlement, which is good for Addison. He gets this behind him and can go into training camp with a clear mind.

Even with the settlement, there is still one thing looming for him with the National Football League: a potential suspension.

This is something we've talked about ad nauseam over the last year. Addison now only has a fine and a couple of classes to take to put this behind him instead of possible jail time. Where things get really interesting is how the NFL ends up punishing its players.

The first thing that the NFL does is wait until the legal proceedings are closed. Once that happens, then the league levies its punishment. What makes things even more fascinating is that they don't always go off the decision by the courts to give their punishment.

The usual punishment that the NFL has given out when someone is charged with DUI is three games. That is exactly what Addison was charged with initially. Their investigation will end up being based on the facts of the case and not what charges Addison eventually settled on with a plea bargain.

If Addison is suspended, the Vikings are going to be ready for it. Jalen Nailor has already shown he can step up into that role, and T.J. Hockenson is fully healthy this time, whereas last year he was still recovering from his torn ACL.

We don't know when a potential fine/suspension will be handed out, but it could come at any time now.