The Star-Tribune reports that former defensive end for the Minnesota Vikings, 35-year-old Everson Griffen was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated on Saturday morning.
According to authorities, Griffen was stopped by a Carver County Sheriff’s deputy near the intersection of Utica Lane and Powers Boulevard after he was reported to be driving in a manner that “caused another person or vehicle to dodge” his car. No further details regarding the incident were available at the time of the report.
The former All-Pro defensive lineman was charged with fourth-degree drunken driving and reckless driving in his 1968 Pontiac LeMans.
A breathalyzer test revealed that at the time of his arrest, Griffen had a blood alcohol level of .09 percent, which is just above the legal blood alcohol level of .08 percent in Minnesota. Jail records show that Griffen was held for approximately one hour before he was released from jail.
On November 24, 2021, Griffen called 911 at approximately 3:00 a.m., claiming someone was in his home with him and he needed help. He told 911 dispatchers that he had fired one round with his gun, but that no one was hurt. Police responded to Griffen’s home and found that Griffen was in the house alone that night. He agreed to be taken for mental evaluation and treatment.
Later that year, Griffen announced on social media that he had been battling bipolar disorder. Griffen, a USC graduate, has played for the Minnesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions.
