Vikings DC George Edwards apologizes for DWI arrest: 'It's a one-time deal'

George Edwards apologized Thursday for his DWI arrest five months ago when speaking publicly for the first time since the incident became known this week.

"I know everyone knows about my situation from the spring. I want to say publicly as I've done privately that I apologize to our organization, our owners, our players, everybody involved in this organization for any negative light that has been shined upon because of this poor decision I made," Edwards said before taking questions. "It was definitely my responsibility, it was a poor decision on my part. And I've taken the steps to ensure it doesn't happen again.

"I don't think it's a one-time deal, I know it's a one-time deal."

Edwards, the Vikings' 49-year-old defensive coordinator, was pulled over in Chanhassen on the night of May 21 after failing to signal on multiple turns into a Taco Bell, according to the arrest report. Edwards told police he'd had two drinks and had already made it back home to Eden Prairie, but returned to Taco Bell because he'd received the wrong order.

After failing field sobriety tests, Edwards registered a .10 blood alcohol content, above the .08 legal limit, and was charged with three misdemeanors, including fourth-degree DWI. Edwards pleaded guilty to misdemeanor careless driving Aug. 30 and was sentenced to one year of probation and a $1,000 fine.

This week, the Vikings acknowledged the arrest and said Edwards was "significantly disciplined." Edwards made a "huge monetary commitment" as directed by the team, according to head coach Mike Zimmer, among other team-imposed requirements that have not been disclosed.

"I notified the team right away, notified coach of it," Edwards said. "I followed the protocol and went through the steps that were necessary to be at this point right now. Since that point in time, I've made sure I've taken care of everything that they asked me to take care of. I have put it behind me to ensure it doesn't happen again."

"A part of what I was required to do was pay a fine," Edwards said.

Edwards' arrest from the spring became public just after the Vikings released practice squad guard Isame Faciane from the team following a DWI arrest last week.

"Every situation is different," Zimmer said Wednesday. "I don't really care about being consistent. I care about being right. When this happened with George, he was given a lot things to do including a huge monetary commitment that he had to make and he fulfilled all of his obligations.