Vikings WR Michael Floyd suspended 4 games, will miss game vs. Lions

On Friday, the NFL announced that Minnesota Vikings receiver Michael Floyd will be suspended for the first four games of the 2017 season. The suspension stems from Floyd’s arrest in 2016 for a DUI in which his blood alcohol level was measured at .217. At the time Floyd was immediately cut by the Arizona Cardinals, but was swept up by the New England Patriots and rode along for their Super Bowl LI victory.

This offseason, the Vikings signed Floyd to a one-year, $1.41 million contract early in free agency in an effort to add more weapons to Minnesota’s inconsistent passing attack. In Floyd’s five seasons, he’s averaged 756.2 yards per season and just under five touchdowns per year.

In addition to Floyd, the Vikings are hoping last year’s first-round draft pick Laquon Treadwell will make a significant impact after making just one catch in his rookie year.

This suspension was expected, but comes on the heels of another controversial moment in Floyd’s short time with the Vikings. Back in June, Floyd failed self-administered breathalyzer tests, as necessitated by the terms of his house arrest from the DUI. Floyd served a day of jail time as a result, but blames the test results on his consumption of kombucha tea. Whether that excuse holds water is up for debate, but the Vikings supported his claim, although head coach Mike Zimmer said he will cut Floyd if it turns out he isn’t being truthful.

As it stands, Floyd will miss the first four games, which includes Vikings’ first division game against the Detroit Lions on Week 4 in Minnesota. The Lions have won the last two contests against the Vikings.