Mental health professionals, law enforcement trying to get Vikings' Everson Griffen out of his home
Saint Paul Pioneer PressNov 24, 2021
Nov. 24—Law enforcement was working Wednesday afternoon to get Vikings defensive end
On Wednesday morning, the Vikings said in a statement that mental health professionals were working with Griffen. And the
"Vikings representatives and the team's mental health professionals have been on-site at
Vikings coach
"That's really not our concern right now," Zimmer said. "It's really about him."
Mental health and law enforcement were called to Griffen's house after he posted a video to his Instagram account, which has since been deleted, in which he was holding an automatic pistol and expressing concern for his safety. According to a Minnetrista Public Safety release, Minnetrista police, with the support of the
Griffen called 911 from his residence and said someone was inside his home and that he needed help from the police. The release said Griffen told the 911 dispatcher that he fired a weapon but nobody was injured. The release said that when law enforcement agencies responded, they were unable to locate an intruder and that Griffen had refused to come out his home.
The release said that law enforcement officials and psychologists from the Vikings had been in contact with Griffen since
Zimmer said he first learned about the situation "last night, late, earlier this morning, whenever it was."
"I addressed the team this morning, and talked to them," Zimmer said. "So we have a job to do."
Griffen, 33, played for the Vikings from 2010-19 making four Pro Bowl teams, before spending last season with Dallas and Detroit. He re-signed with Minnesota in August. and has five sacks in the nine games he has played.
"We're only concerned about his well-being," Zimmer said. "He's been with us for a long time. Good guy. Works hard."
Griffen missed one game this season with a concussion after a one-car accident near his west suburban home, and spent five games away from the team in 2018 after an incident at a
Regardless of whether Griffen plays on Sunday, the Vikings will be short-handed on the defensive line. Zimmer said that starting defensive tackle
The Vikings also will be without star defensive end
Vikings players and coaches expressed concern Wednesday for Griffen.
"We're just trying to make sure he's OK," said running back
Cook said late Wednesday morning that he had tried to reach Griffen but had not heard back from him.
"We're just praying for him and his family and letting professionals handle it from there," said Vikings quarterback
Co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach
"My thoughts are with him and his family," Patterson said. "Everson is like a little brother to me, and I just want him to be safe. ... (The players) care about him, too. He means a lot to them, so we just want him to be safe and healthy. That's the most important thing."
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