Vikings Issue Statement on Everson Griffen After He Posted Concerning Video

Vikings officials, team mental health professionals and local police have been on-site at the home of defensive end Everson Griffen's since early Wednesday morning, according to a team statement released Wednesday midday by the Vikings and a statement from the Minnestrista Police Department.

Local police say Griffen called 911 shortly after 3 a.m. and told them someone was inside the home. 

When police arrived, they say they were unable to locate an intruder.

Minnesota later released a second statement on Wednesday afternoon, stating that Griffen came out of his home without any incident and is now getting the care he needs.

"We are thankful to the Hennepin County's Sheriff's Offices the Carver's County Sheriff's Office, the Minnetrista Police Department and the Orono Police Department for their quick response and dedication to ensuing the situation ended peacefully," the statement said. "Our focus remains on Everson's health and safety and providing the proper resources for him and his family."

Earlier Wednesday, Griffen also told the emergency dispatcher that he had fired a weapon, but nobody was injured.

Griffen had shared a since-deleted video and story on Instagram overnight in which he was seen holding a gun, saying people "were trying to pop me." In the video, he said he obtained the bullets to the loaded gun legally, with the help of Vikings running back Dalvin Cook. Cook later said he did not know why Griffen mentioned him in the video.

According to a screenshot Griffen shared on Instagram, appearing to show a text exchange between Griffen and his agent, Griffen wrote, "People were trying to kill me." And later said, "Hello I need help."

Per the police statement, as of Wednesday morning, law enforcement officers are "confident" Griffen was alone inside the home. 

Griffen, per the police, had refused to come out of his home. 

"Vikings representatives and the team's mental health professionals had been on-site at Everson Griffen's home since early this morning and are cooperating with law enforcement," the team said in a statement. "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."

When asked at a press conference if Griffen was safe, coach Mike Zimmer responded, "I don't know."

"That's my brother. I just want him to be O.K.," Cook told reporters. "In his mind, make sure his family's okay. I just want what's best for Everson overall."

Griffen spent 10 seasons with the Vikings from 2010 to '19, appearing in 147 games, 88 of which were starts. Griffen took a monthlong break during the '18 season to focus on his health and well-being after the team ordered him to undergo a mental health evaluation, and two separate incidents involving police authorities led to his being hospitalized.

He opened the 2020 season as a member of the Cowboys but was traded midyear to the Lions after playing seven games in Dallas. He rejoined Minnesota in late August.

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