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Gerald Alexander suspended by Vikings for three weeks after DWI plea
Minnesota Vikings defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander pleaded guilty on July 16, 2026 to a third‑degree driving‑while‑impaired charge after an April 26 incident in Edina, Minnesota. Police found him passed out in his vehicle with a preliminary breath test reading of 0.169, more than twice the legal limit, and he refused a chemical test.
The Vikings announced a three‑week, unpaid suspension effective July 24 and ending August 13, 2026. Alexander was sentenced to 48 hours of community service, two years of unsupervised probation and a $603 fine. Head coach Kevin O'Connell said the club had been in contact with the NFL and that the disciplinary action was appropriate. Alexander, hired in February 2026 as defensive backs coach and defensive passing game coordinator, replaces Daronte Jones, who moved to the Washington Commanders.
Entities
Edina, Minnesota · Gerald Alexander · Kevin O'Connell · Minnesota Vikings
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] Gerald Alexander pleaded guilty on July 16, 2026 to a third‑degree driving‑while‑impaired charge. fanbuzz.com · abcnews.com · www.nytimes.com · kstp.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Alexander was sentenced to 48 hours of community service, two years of unsupervised probation, and a $603 fine. fanbuzz.com · abcnews.com · www.nytimes.com · kstp.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Alexander's preliminary breath test showed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.169, more than twice Minnesota's legal limit. abcnews.com · www.nytimes.com · kstp.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Alexander was hired by the Vikings in February 2026 after Daronte Jones left to become defensive coordinator of the Washington Commanders. abcnews.com · www.nytimes.com · kstp.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Vikings suspended Alexander for three weeks without pay, effective July 24 through August 13, 2026. fanbuzz.com · abcnews.com · www.nytimes.com · kstp.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said the club had been in contact with the NFL and that the suspension was appropriate. abcnews.com · kstp.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Alexander holds the position of defensive backs coach and defensive passing game coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings. fanbuzz.com · abcnews.com · www.nytimes.com · kstp.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] The incident occurred on April 26, 2026 in Edina, Minnesota, where police found Alexander passed out in his vehicle. fanbuzz.com · abcnews.com · www.nytimes.com · kstp.com