Jerome Simpson Released by Vikings: Latest Details, Analysis and Reaction

The Minnesota Vikings released Jerome Simpson on Thursday following the veteran wide receiver's latest run-in with the law.       

The Vikings' official PR Twitter account reported the news:

Christopher Miller of the Star Tribune reports that Simpson has a Hennepin County Court hearing slated for Nov. 3 for another lapse in judgment. Simpson was cited July 7 for violating the conditions imposed on his restricted driver's license, marijuana possession and open container.

Before Minnesota released Simpson, Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer, who hadn't heard about Simpson's latest legal troubles until Thursday, commented on the type of players he wants on the roster, via ESPN.com's Ben Goessling:

"

We're going to look for high-quality guys. We're going to keep guys who care about football, guys who are passionate about playing the game. We're going to continue to get those guys and keep working. There's really nothing I can do about what everybody else says. All I can do is what I think is best at the time

"

The St. Paul Pioneer Press' Chris Tomasson weighed in on Simpson's future:

There has never been any doubting Simpson's talent, which he hasn't fully capitalized on since the Cincinnati Bengals selected him in the second round of the 2008 draft out of Coastal Carolina.

The famous front-flip Simpson pulled off on a touchdown reception in 2011 showcased his freakish athletic ability. That year marked his best and last in Cincinnati, when he caught a career-high 50 receptions for 725 yards and four touchdowns.

Simpson had a strong 2013 campaign in Minnesota despite shabby quarterback play, hauling in 48 passes for 726 yards and a score.

This release from Minnesota comes just before Simpson's three-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy was slated to expire. He was punished for a drunken-driving arrest from November 2013, and would have been eligible to play in the Vikings' Week 4 game against the Atlanta Falcons.

Genevieve Ross/Associated Press

Minnesota has plenty of playmakers in receivers Greg Jennings and Cordarrelle Patterson, along with Pro Bowl tight end Kyle Rudolph. Its offense, directed by renowned play-caller Norv Turner, won't miss Simpson's presence too much.

However, this is another unfortunate development for the Vikings. Linebacker Chad Greenway has been diagnosed with a broken hand, and Minnesota has been dealing with the Adrian Peterson child abuse scandal.

Zimmer is dealing with a lot of adversity as a first-year head coach. At least the organization rid itself of another potential, negative distraction by taking direct action and releasing Simpson.

It remains to be seen whether Simpson will get another shot in the NFL. Based on his inability to stay out of trouble while serving a suspension, along with a prior 15-day jail sentence on his record from 2012, the odds don't appear to be in Simpson's favor.