Minnesota Vikings DE Everson Griffen Hospitalized Following Mental Health Incident

Everson Griffen is being evaluated at a hospital in Minneapolis following an incident where police were called about the Minnesota Vikings defensive end.

Vikings DE Everson Griffen Hospitalized

According to Tom Pelissero, the DE has been battling a serious, mental health-related issue for weeks. ESPN obtained an incident report that stated authorities from the Minneapolis Police were called to Hotel Ivy Saturday because an individual was threatening to shoot someone if he couldn’t get to his room.

Though his name was redacted from the incident report, sources told ESPN’s Courtney Cronin that the individual in question is Griffen, the Vikings’ ninth-year defensive end.

The Vikings expressed concern about Griffen Monday. “We are aware of the situation involving Everson Griffen and certainly concerned by what we have heard,” Vikings general manager Rick Spielman said in a statement. “We are currently focused on Everson’s well-being and providing the appropriate support for him and his family.” Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer said Griffen wouldn’t travel or play Thursday versus the Los Angeles Rams. He said “It’s about him getting better. In the five years I’ve been here, I’ve always loved Everson.”

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The incident report states that hotel staff believed Griffen was under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. It also states that he checked into the hotel last week and caused a disturbance “each time he walks through the lobby.” On Sunday, it escalated and Griffen allegedly threatened to assault staff.

Griffen told authorities “I’m leaving” after police arrived on the scene, according to Minneapolis Police Department Public Information Officer John Elder. Police found no gun, and no arrest was made.

According to ESPN, a league source said there were “discrepancies” between the report and what had actually happened.

Griffen, a three-time Pro Bowler, didn’t play in week three after being ruled out with a knee injury. Sources told ESPN that a number of Vikings players and coaches were not aware of Saturday’s incident, even at game time on Sunday.

When asked about Griffen not being on the sideline, Zimmer responded, “He is having a personal matter, and I’m going to leave it at that.”

Griffen, 30, was arrested twice after his rookie season on suspicion of public intoxication and then for allegedly assaulting an officer during a traffic stop.

Griffen has played all nine of his seasons with the Vikings and signed a four-year extension last year.

Article by Bill Piersa