Ex-Viking Everson Griffen charged with driving under the influence
A former Minnesota Vikings defensive end was charged with reckless driving and driving while intoxicated this week after he was pulled over in Chanhassen Saturday morning.
Everson De Wayne Griffen, 35, of Mound, was pulled over close to 10:30 a.m. Saturday on Powers Boulevard near Utica Lane in Chanhassen while driving a 1968 black Pontiac LeMans.
Authorities say his blood alcohol content was .09. He was charged with five misdemeanors in connection with driving under the influence, reckless driving and speeding in a construction zone.
Griffen has struggled with mental health issues over the years.
While he was with the Vikings, Griffen was placed on the non-football illness list following an incident at his Minnetrista home on Nov. 24, 2021, in which he posted a since-deleted disturbing video on Instagram that showed him holding a handgun and expressing concern for his safety. He called 911 to report an intruder, but none was found. Police and mental health officials worked for several hours to get Griffen to come out of his home before he was taken by ambulance to a mental health facility.
Griffen also missed five games in 2018 because of a mental health situation. He wrote in an Instagram post Dec. 3 that he is “bipolar” and will “be an advocate for mental health.”
Griffen played with Minnesota from 2010-19, making four Pro Bowls, and rejoined the team in 2021 after spending the 2020 season with Dallas and Detroit.
