In a stunning turn of events, former Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen found himself behind bars in Hennepin County Jail, Minneapolis, on Saturday, following an alleged probation violation that has left fans reeling. The 37-year-old NFL veteran, known for his ferocious pass-rushing and 85.5 career sacks, was arrested at 8:49 p.m. after a warrant was issued just a day earlier at 4:30 p.m. CT on Friday. Griffen is being held without bond, awaiting a court appearance scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Monday.
According to court records, the Department of Community Corrections and Rehabilitation filed a damning probation violation report, accusing Griffen of failing to comply with critical conditions of his supervised release. The report alleges that Griffen neglected to participate in random drug testing, disregarded direct probation instructions, and violated a strict mandate to abstain from alcohol and substance use. These accusations paint a troubling picture for the former star, whose recent actions have raised serious concerns.
This arrest comes on the heels of a disturbing incident just days prior, where Griffen’s alleged “unruly” behavior on a flight from Chicago to Minneapolis forced pilots to make an abrupt U-turn after takeoff to remove him from the plane. Griffen, however, has denied any disruptive conduct, leaving fans and authorities questioning the circumstances surrounding the event.
Griffen’s legal troubles stem from a May 2024 DWI arrest, which led to a four-year supervised probation sentence after he pleaded guilty to third-degree DWI. One of two DWI charges was dismissed, along with charges for careless driving and fifth-degree drug possession. As part of his sentence, Griffen was required to complete a DWI assessment, adhere strictly to probation guidelines, and refrain from using alcohol or controlled substances, except for prescribed medications. His recent alleged violations now threaten to unravel the progress he had made.
Griffen’s journey has been marked by more than just athletic triumphs. The former Viking, who played for the team from 2010 to 2019 and briefly returned in 2021, has been open about his struggles with mental health. In 2018 and 2021, he faced high-profile mental health incidents, later sharing his diagnosis of bipolar disorder. His candidness about these challenges endeared him to many fans, who admired his resilience both on and off the field.
With a storied NFL career that includes 85.5 sacks and a legacy as one of Minnesota’s fiercest defenders, Griffen’s recent troubles are a stark reminder of the challenges even the brightest stars can face. As he prepares to face the court, fans are left wondering whether this is a temporary setback or a deeper struggle for the beloved athlete. Stay tuned as this story develops, with all eyes on Griffen’s next steps.