Law enforcement at home of Vikings DE Everson Griffen confirms situation has ended peacefully

KSTP

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UPDATE: Law enforcement at the home of Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen confirmed with 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS that the situation has ended peacefully.

KSTP’s Eric Rasmussen confirmed the update Wednesday afternoon.

Minnetrista police said Griffen came out of his home just after 1:30 p.m. and was taken to a health care facility by ambulance. Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman added that Griffen "is receiving the care that he needs."’

Minnetrista Police and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office are still investigating the incident.

The Vikings released the following statement Wednesday afternoon:

In this Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, file photo, Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen watches during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, in Denver.[AP Photo/Mark Reis, File]

Law enforcement agencies have notified us Everson Griffen came out of his home without incident and is now getting the care he needs. We are thankful to the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, the Carver County Sheriff’s Office, the Minnetrista Police Department and the Orono Police Department for their quick response and dedication to ensuring the situation ended peacefully. Our focus remains on Everson’s health and safety and providing the proper resources for him and his family.

This is a developing story. 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS will continue to update this report as more details become available.

Wednesday, police are at the home of Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen.

Screenshots of text conversations that included the phrases "I need help" and "people are trying to kill me" as well as a video depicting Griffen holding a gun were posted to Griffen’s social media early Wednesday morning.

The Minnesota Vikings released the following statement Wednesday:

Vikings representatives and the team’s mental health professionals have been on-site at Everson Griffen’s home since early this morning and are cooperating with law enforcement. Our only concern at this time is the safety and well-being of Everson and his family. We will have further comment at the appropriate time.

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According to a release from the Minnetrista Police Department, Griffen had called 911 shortly after 3 a.m. and said someone was inside his home and that he needed help. Police said Griffen told the 911 dispatcher he had fired a weapon but that no one was hurt.

Upon arrival, law enforcement officials said they were unable to find an intruder in the home.

Law enforcement officials and Minnesota Vikings team psychologists have been in ongoing communication with Griffen, who is refusing to come out of the residence.

"At this time, law enforcement officers are confident Griffen is alone inside the home and continue to work with him to resolve the situation."

Concerns have previously surfaced regarding Griffen’s mental health.

Police reports from September 2018 indicated Griffen’s behavior at a Vikings practice—described by a team official as "explosive, screaming and yelling"—was disruptive to the point he was ordered to get a mental health evaluation before being allowed to rejoin the team.

A Minneapolis police incident report also filed in September 2018—in which Griffen’s name was redacted—stated that Griffen had allegedly threatened to shoot members of the Hotel Ivy staff unless he was allowed into his room. A source confirmed to 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS that Griffen was the person identified in the report. No gun was ever found, according to the report, and Griffen was allowed by police to leave the hotel on his own accord.

In a social media post following the 2018 incidents, Griffen apologized to those affected by his actions and expressed his gratitude, saying, "I am extremely grateful for the support I have received from my family, the Vikings organization, my teammates and our tremendous fan base."

Griffen spent 10 seasons with the Vikings from 2010-19, appearing in 147 games, 88 of which were starts. Over the course of his tenure with the Vikings, he recorded 86 tackles for loss and 74.5 sacks, which rank third and fourth in franchise history. He signed with the Dallas Cowboys in 2020, was traded to the Detroit Lions later that year, then re-signed with the Vikings in August this year.

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

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