There was a great deal of concern surrounding the health and safety of Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen on Wednesday morning.
Griffen, 33, posted a video of him brandishing a gun and claiming that people were trying to kill him. He then proceeded to explain that he had bullets in the gun and that it was registered to him, though he claimed Dalvin Cook helped him acquire it.
The video lasted just 30 seconds. You can see it here, but be warned its contents are disturbing.
Griffen also posted several other messages on his Instagram profile. They included a text message exchange with his agent, Brian Murphy, in which Griffen repeatedly wrote, “I need help” and also wrote, “Better call 911.” He has since deleted the posts.
The Vikings addressed the matter via a statement Wednesday morning. The team said that representatives had been at Griffen’s home since early in the morning.
Vikings representatives and the team’s mental health professionals have been on-site at Everson Grirffen’s home since early this morning and are cooperating with law enforcement. 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.
And later in the morning, Minnetrista police said that Griffen would not exit his house and that law enforcement and psychologists from the Vikings are engaged in “ongoing communication with Griffen.”
Vikings coach Mike Zimmer didn’t have many details Wednesday about what was happening, and all he could say was that the team is not focused on his status for the Vikings’ upcoming game against the 49ers.
“That’s really not our concern right now,” Zimmer told reporters. “It’s really about him.”
Zimmer also said general manager Rick Spielman will address the situation later in the day.
Griffen has dealt with mental health concerns in the past, and he missed five weeks of the 2018 NFL season because of erratic behavior that resulted from “significant unresolved emotional distress.”
Griffen spoke well of the clean slate that 2018 “reset” gave him.
“I’m happy that 2018 happened, because I wouldn’t be sitting here today, being able to tell my story and showing teams that I am strong, I am healthy and there’s nothing really that you have to worry about, because I’m doing all the right things,” Griffen told NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. “There’s nothing I’m doing behind the scenes that they should be worried about. I’m doing everything possible to make sure that 2018 doesn’t happen again. And it will not happen.”
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