September 25, 2018 05:14 PM
UPDATE: Police Report Details Vikings Concern for Everson Griffen
Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen's trouble began days before the incident at the Hotel Ivy on Saturday, when team officials noticed he was "not acting normally," almost like he was "having a nervous breakdown," according to a report classified as a "mental health" incident from the Minnetrista Police Department.
The report states the team kicked Griffen out of practice on Saturday, which led to the threats and reported bizarre behavior at Hotel Ivy where he threatened to shoot someone.
Following that incident, team officials contacted police in Minnetrista, where Griffen resides, to check on his wife and kids and notify officers of what took place at Hotel Ivy involving Griffen.
After making contact with the wife, the team learned Griffen was not acting normal, hadn't slept for days and had expressed thoughts of harming himself, according to the police report.
Mike Zimmer says he hadn't spoken with Everson Griffen since he Green Bay game.
— Chris Long (@ChrisLongKSTP) September 25, 2018
"I've always loved Everson. He's been a really good role model for us. He's going through a tough time right now." -Zimmer
Zimmer: "We can't be 'woe is me', we got to go out and perform."
— Chris Long (@ChrisLongKSTP) September 25, 2018
Adds Griffen would not have been able to play due to a knee injury, even aside from the other issues.
Zimmer: "We have a very good support program. Our owners do an unbelievable job giving players all the resources they need. We bring in experts, if he has to see other people, our owners are outstanding with that. Not only for Everson, for everyone on the team and families too."
— Chris Long (@ChrisLongKSTP) September 25, 2018
Asked if he knows if any support was given or offered to Griffen aside from barring him from practice and a letter to he and his agent demanding he seek mental health evaluation, Zimmer said he wasn't sure.
— Chris Long (@ChrisLongKSTP) September 25, 2018
The report states Vikings Player Development Director Leslie Pico said Everson "has been really struggling for the past few weeks."
Pico told police "during practice this past week Everson had been explosive, screaming and yelling in the workplace," according to the report.
Pico also told police Vikings management had sent a letter to Everson and his agent on Thursday stating he would not be allowed back without a mental health evaluation, the report states.
Griffen was taken to the hospital per his request, the report states.
In a statement Monday, Minnesota Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman said, "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."
KSTP's investigative team is continuing to follow this story and will post updates online and on-air on 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS.
This is a breaking news story. KSTP is working to get more details on this story and will post updates as more information becomes available.
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Updated: September 25, 2018 05:14 PM
Created: September 25, 2018 11:58 AM
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