REPORT: Vikings Concerned with Mental Health of Everson Griffen After Bizarre Weekend Events
Sean Borman
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According to a report by KSTP-TV news and confirmed by multiple sources, Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen was involved in a bizarre incident at a downtown hotel over the weekend.
At Hotel Ivy in Minneapolis, Griffen reportedly threatened to shoot staff if he was not let into his room. He apparently paced around the lobby while hotel workers moved into a back office to avoid any physical altercation. However, there is no indication a gun was ever present, according to the report.
The Minneapolis Police Department redacted Griffen’s name from the police report as the “person of interest” left immediately, was not ID’d, and no arrest was made. Sources claim Griffen was that person.
Griffen was ruled out of the game Sunday against the Buffalo Bills with a knee injury. He did not attend the game.
Following the game, head coach Mike Zimmer said that Griffen is dealing with “a personal matter and I’m going to leave it at that.”
Griffen did not practice on Monday.
Also on Monday, Vikings general manager Rick Spielman issued the following statement:
“We are aware of the situation involving Everson Griffen and certainly concerned by what we have heard. We are currently focused on Everson’s well-being and providing the appropriate support for him and his family.”
According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, Griffen has been dealing with a “health-related issue” for weeks. He had been absent during training camp with a mysterious cut on his leg that was supposedly caused by a table. It’s unclear if the incidents are related.
#Vikings DE Everson Griffen has been dealing for weeks with a serious, personal health-related issue, per sources. The team and his agents are helping him. A statement from GM Rick Spielman: pic.twitter.com/vfd3Vn8Yok
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 25, 2018
His status for Thursday’s game in Los Angeles against the Rams is unknown, but at this point it seems unlikely he will play. On behalf of all the Vikings faithful we certainly echo Spielman’s statement and wish the best for Griffen. VT will keep you informed of the latest developments on this story.
UPDATE
According to Seth Kaplan of Fox9 News, Griffen was arrested after the incident at Hotel Ivy while trying to break into another player’s home. He is currently undergoing a mental health evaluation.
https://twitter.com/Seth_Kaplan/status/1044408848428273664
UPDATE #2
Pelissero now claims that team sources “strongly deny” the Fox9 News report.
Adding to this: Everson Griffen is being evaluated at a local hospital, I’m told. Again, concerns about his mental health predate last weekend. Two team sources strongly deny a report Griffen was arrested in another alleged incident. https://t.co/Lr6q0Xfiyx
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 25, 2018
UPDATE #3
FOX9 has recanted it’s story about Griffen being arrested. Clearly the facts are still not entirely known at this point but as things get sorted out we’ll bring you the latest.