Wes Phillips, the offensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings, was taken into custody on Friday evening and accused of committing the misdemeanor of operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. As per the Minnesota State Patrol, Phillips was pulled over on I-394 in Minneapolis around 9:45 p.m. CT. He displayed signs of impairment, and his blood alcohol content was measured at 0.10, exceeding the legal limit in Minnesota, which is 0.08.
At 11 p.m. CT, Phillips was formally processed into the Hennepin County jail. Records indicate that he secured his release at 1:26 a.m. by posting a $300 bond. His initial court appearance is slated for December 21. On Saturday afternoon, the team left for Las Vegas, where Phillips and the Vikings are set to compete against the Raiders on Sunday at Allegiant Stadium.
#Vikings OC Wes Phillips was arrested at approximately 10 p.m. Friday on a misdemeanor DUI charge, blowing 0.08 after being pulled over by the Minnesota State Patrol. He was released from jail a few hours later and will travel today with the team to Las Vegas.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 9, 2023
Team statement: pic.twitter.com/7F5h9Eiqq0
“Wes immediately notified the team following his arrest last night. This morning we contacted the NFL, and after internal discussion, made the decision Wes will travel with the team to Las Vegas this afternoon. We will continue to gather information regarding the incident and have further comment at the appropriate time,” the Vikings stated.
At the age of 44, Phillips became a part of the Vikings in 2022 as one of Coach Kevin O’Connell’s initial appointments. They had previously collaborated on the Los Angeles Rams’ coaching staff in both 2020 and 2021.
Currently in his 17th NFL season, he has served with Washington, Dallas, the Vikings, and the Rams. As the son of the longstanding coach Wade Phillips and the grandson of Bum Phillips, he is a third-generation NFL coach.
