Everson Griffen is off the Vikings’ active roster, as of Friday. Minnesota placed the veteran defensive end on its non-football illness list.
This news comes two days after an incident at Griffen’s home in which the 33-year-old defender refused to leave the premises. Griffen called police himself and requested assistance. He told the dispatcher that he had fired a round and that someone was with him, but police later said that no intruder was found and no one was injured.
Law enforcement and Vikings team psychologists began communicating with Griffen around 7 a.m. Wednesday. Police did not locate an intruder. Griffen did end up leaving his home, and the Vikings have confirmed the 12th-year veteran — who returned to Minnesota after a season away — is receiving appropriate care.
“Law enforcement agencies have notified us Everson Griffen came out of his home without incident and is now getting the care he needs,” the Vikings said in a statement. “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.”
Beyond contact with staffers, Griffen has not been with the Vikings this week. He will not play Sunday and must miss at least three games because of the reserve/NFI designation.
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