Vikings DE Griffen on leave; team concerned about well-being

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen has been sidelined indefinitely by an undisclosed situation that has caused concern within the organization about his well-being.

When asked afterward why Griffen wasn’t on the sideline, Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said the ninth-year player and three-time Pro Bowl pick was dealing with a “personal matter.” He declined to elaborate.

KSTP-TV reported, citing unnamed sources, that Griffen was involved in a weekend disturbance at a downtown hotel. He was not arrested.

“We are aware of the situation involving Everson Griffen and certainly concerned by what we have heard,” Vikings general manager Rick Spielman said Monday night in a statement distributed by the team. “We are currently focused on Everson’s well-being and providing the appropriate support for him and his family.”

According to Minneapolis police spokesman John Elder, officers were called to the hotel on Saturday afternoon after a man threatened physical violence. The man was departing the building upon their arrival, and after questioning he was released at the scene. Hotel staff members stated their satisfaction with the resolution of the situation.

“There was absolutely no indication that threat was credible. There was no indication of a firearm. There was no belief that a threat was capable of being carried out at that time,” Elder said.