Vikings Coach Alexander Suspended
Minnesota Vikings Suspend Defensive Backs Coach Gerald Alexander for Three Weeks After DWI Plea
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Key Points
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Arrest specifics show the Edina incident involved Alexander being found passed out at about 4 a.m. with damage to his Tesla; after officers knocked, he woke, initially refused to exit, and had a slurred speech and the odor of alcohol, with a field sobriety test showing impairment and a BAC of 0.169 before he refused a DMT breath test.
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Plea terms across outlets diverged: some reports describe a plea deal with up to 180 days in jail over two years, a probation period, and a $500 fine, while others cite only 48 hours of community service and a $603 fine with two years of probation, illustrating inconsistent specifics in the coverage.
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Alexander brings an extensive coaching background that spans multiple teams and roles before joining the Vikings, including stints as a defensive backs coach/integral staffer at Indiana State, UC Berkeley, Miami Dolphins, Steelers, Raiders, and a period as a safeties coach, culminating in the defensive pass game coordinator/DBs coach role with Minnesota.
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The hire and Flores connection are underscored by Alexander’s history with Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores in Miami and Pittsburgh, and the role was created as part of Flores’ staff rebuild, including Alexander’s replacement of Daronte Jones as Vikings' defensive backs coach.
The Minnesota Vikings have suspended defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander for three weeks without pay after he pleaded guilty to a third-degree DWI charge, stemming from an April arrest in Edina, Minnesota. The suspension runs from July 24 to August 13, keeping him away from all team duties during the start of training camp, according to TSN.
Alexander apologized publicly, saying he takes full responsibility and is committed to learning from the incident. The Vikings said they coordinated with the NFL before handing down the punishment, calling it the appropriate disciplinary action, Pop Culture reported.
Passed Out at 4 a.m. With a Damaged Tesla
The April arrest painted a stark picture. Edina officers found Alexander passed out in his Tesla around 4 a.m. The car had visible damage. When officers knocked, he woke up but initially refused to get out. Police noted slurred speech and the smell of alcohol, according to The New York Times.
A field sobriety test showed impairment. Alexander's blood alcohol content measured 0.169 — more than twice the legal limit of 0.08. He then refused a breath test, which became part of his charge. In Minnesota, refusing a chemical test is a separate criminal offense added onto the DWI.
Guilty Plea Comes With Fines, Probation, and Community Service
Alexander's plea deal closed the criminal case, but the terms varied across reports. FanBuzz noted conditions including up to 180 days in jail held over a two-year probation period and a $500 fine. TSN cited 48 hours of community service and a $603 fine alongside the same two-year probation.
Despite the inconsistency in reported figures, all outlets agreed on the core outcome: Alexander avoided active jail time. He accepted probation and financial penalties as part of the resolution. Court records confirmed the plea was entered and accepted.
Alexander's Road to Minnesota Runs Through Brian Flores
Alexander is a new face on the Vikings staff this season. The team hired him this offseason to replace Daronte Jones as defensive backs coach. His role carries the added title of defensive passing game coordinator, according to Archy Netys.
His hiring is tied directly to Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores. The two worked together previously with the Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers. Before joining Minnesota, Alexander also had stints at Indiana State, UC Berkeley, and with the Las Vegas Raiders. Flores built the defensive staff around familiar faces, and Alexander was a key piece of that plan.
Vikings Hand Down Punishment After NFL Coordination
The Vikings acted swiftly once the guilty plea was entered. The team said it worked with the NFL before setting the three-week, unpaid suspension. The punishment begins July 24 and lifts August 13, cutting into valuable early training camp time, Pop Culture reported.
Alexander's absence means the Vikings must manage their defensive back group without their position coach during the opening weeks of camp. The team has not named a temporary replacement. Alexander is expected to return to full duties once the suspension ends on August 13.
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