Update 11/24/2021 6:51pm:
The Minnesota Vikings announced Wednesday afternoon that defensive end Everson Griffen was convinced to exit his home "without incident and is now getting the care that he needs."
Law enforcement spent 14 hours talking Griffen into safely leaving his home after he posted disturbing messages, including a video of him waving his pistol. The four-time Pro Bowler's messages on social media and to acquaintances claimed someone was trying to kill him.
"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," the Vikings' statement read. "Our focus remains on Everson's health and safety and providing the proper resources for him and his family."
Source: ESPN
Original 11/24/2021 2:02pm:
The Minnesota Vikings and the Minnetrista Police Department are involved in a standoff with Everson Griffen after the defensive end made a series of concerning social media posts and admitted to firing his weapon Wednesday morning.
Team psychologists and law enforcement have been communicating with Griffen since 7 a.m., but the four-time Pro Bowler has refused to leave his residence. He reportedly contacted the police after 3 a.m. and claimed an intruder was inside his home. Griffen admitted to shooting his gun but no one was injured. The police confirmed that they did not find an intruder at the residence.
Griffen expressed the same concern in multiple social media posts, which have since been deleted. He also posted screenshots of him texting his agent and asking him to call for help and wrote, "People are trying to kill me."
Most disturbing was a video where Griffen is waving a pistol.
"I'm in my house. N***** trying to pop me," Griffen said in the video. "I've still got clips left. This is my gun, .45 Wilson Combat, registered to me. I bought all my bullets around town. Dalvin Cook helped me purchase this gun. It all belongs to me, and they are registered to me. I know exactly where I bought them. I've got the card I have them on. I have everything."
The police believe Griffen is home alone and are attempting to resolve the matter. The Vikings have also released a statement confirming the team is working with law enforcement to ensure Griffen's safety.
"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," the statement read. "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."
Griffen has had past struggles with mental health. During the 2018 season, he went on hiatus for a month after the team ordered him to undergo a mental health evaluation after two incidents with the police led to him being hospitalized.
Everson Griffen played 10 seasons for the Vikings before signing with the Dallas Cowboys in 2020. He was traded to the Lions later that year before re-signing with the Vikings in August 2021.
Stay tuned as more updates develop.
Source: ESPN
