Vikings suspend DBs coach Gerald Alexander for three weeks

Alexander, 42, was arrested on April 26 in Minnesota and charged with a misdemeanor third-degree DWI. He pled guilty on July 16 and was assigned 48 hours of community service and two years of unsupervised probation.

“Following Gerald’s arrest earlier this spring, we remained in communication with the NFL while awaiting the outcome of the legal process,” the Vikings said in a statement. “We take these situations seriously and believe this disciplinary action is appropriate.”

Alexander’s suspension went into effect on July 24, two days before Minnesota’s rookies reported to training camp and will expire on Aug. 13. The suspension aligns with the NFL’s standard three-week punishment for similar offenses committed by players. Cowboys defensive end Charles Snowden is the most recent example.

I take full responsibility for the situation I put myself in and apologize for not meeting the mark. I know it’s unacceptable,” Alexander said in a statement. “I understand the suspension and am committed to learning from the matter and ensuring I come back a better version of myself.”

Alexander, who also holds the title of defensive passing game coordinator, spent five years in the NFL, primarily with the Lions and the Jaguars. He then moved into coaching, first at the college level with a few NFL internships during training camp, before taking the Dolphins’ defensive backs coach job. He also worked for the Raiders and Steelers in similar roles before taking his current job in Minnesota this offseason.

Vikings assistant defensive backs coach Chenzo Funari will take on a larger role during Alexander’s suspension. Defensive assistant Will Johnson, who was a defensive backs coach at UCF and North Dakota State before arriving in Minnesota this offseason, will likely be asked to step up as well.