Wes Phillips, the Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator, has been suspended for three weeks without pay following a legal incident that occurred in December. The suspension comes after Phillips was pulled over for speeding and displayed signs of impairment. His blood-alcohol level tested at 0.10%, above the state’s legal limit of 0.08%.
Phillips, 44, was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving on December 8 and booked into the Hennepin County jail. He was released the next day after posting bond. Despite the arrest, Phillips was not punished by the Vikings during the regular season and even traveled with the team to Las Vegas.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell expressed disappointment in Phillips’ actions, stating that he cares deeply for him and the organization will support him through his suspension. The suspension will last three weeks, ending just before the 2024 NFL Draft. Phillips will miss pre-draft preparations and the first week of the team’s offseason conditioning program.
During a press conference in December, Phillips admitted to not meeting the standards set by the NFL and the Vikings. He expressed accountability and a commitment to learning from his mistakes. In February, Phillips pled guilty to a lesser charge of careless driving, resulting in probation, a fine, and community service.
