Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen is refusing to leave his home after telling police he fired a weapon inside the residence early Wednesday morning, according to the Minnetrista Public Safety Department.
Griffen called 911 around 3 a.m. Wednesday saying there was an intruder in the home and that he needed police assistance. He told the dispatcher he had fired his weapon but that no one was injured.
Police said they could not find an intruder at Griffen’s residence and that the defensive end has refused to come out amid ongoing communication with law enforcement and Vikings team psychologists.
“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 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.”
Earlier Wednesday, Griffen posted a since-deleted Instagram story, writing, “I need help people trying to kill me. At my own house,” and a video in which Griffen could be seen holding a gun. He also made two since-deleted Instagram posts showing text messages since to his agent, Brian Murphy, asking for help.
Vikings coach Mike Zimmer told reporters prior to the police release that he was not sure of Griffen’s safety.
During his first stint with the Vikings, Griffen took a monthlong hiatus during the 2018 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 him being hospitalized. He said in April 2019 that he had had a “rough year” relating to his mental health.
Information from ESPN’s Courtney Cronin was used in this report.
