Vikings' Wes Phillips reaches plea deal for DWI arrest
Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Wes Phillips has agreed to plead guilty to a lesser charge of careless driving following his Dec. 8, 2023 drunk-driving arrest in Minneapolis.
Court documents filed Thursday in Hennepin County District Court reveal that Phillips, who was originally charged with fourth-degree DWI, pleaded guilty to the amended careless driving charge, a misdemeanor.
The document shows that Phillips admitted to the following offense: "I drove a vehicle in a careless manner when I was driving over the posted speed limit after consuming alcohol. My actions endangered myself and others on the roadway."
The crime comes with a penalty of 30 days in jail, eight hours of community service and $378 in fines and fees. Phillips is credited two days of jail time served and 27 days are stayed for one year.
Phillips did not miss any games with the Vikings after his December arrest.
"Aside from the standards I do have for myself, I understand that as a coach in this league there are certain standards from the NFL and the Minnesota Vikings," Phillips said in his public apology days after the incident. "I didn't live up to those standards. The last thing that I would want to do it detract from the great things these guys are doing on the field, so that was unfortunate for me. I do believe in being accountable and learning from your mistakes, accepting whatever discipline may come down the road, and growing from it and going forward with a positive attitude."
Phillips, 44, remains Minnesota's offensive coordinator. He'll be entering his third season with the team in 2024.
Vikings offensive coordinator Wes Phillips
Image courtesy of the Minnesota Vikings
