Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen was apprehended by police on Sunday after he reportedly threatened to shoot up a hotel in Minneapolis.
The incident took place the night before Sunday’s game against the Bills. Police were reportedly called to Hotel Ivy after Griffen wandered in and began talking about “shooting the place up.”
Witnesses say he was seen pacing around the lobby and allegedly made the threat to the concierge if didn’t bring him up to his room. Police were called, but Griffen never produced a weapon.
Griffen, who is a three-time pro bowler, was never arrested but was taken to a local hospital for evaluation. He was also noticeably absent from Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills.
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Griffen was expected to miss Sunday’s game due to a knee injury; however, he was not present on the sidelines with teammates.
Asked about Griffen’s absence after the game, Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer chalked it up to a “personal matter.”
“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. “We are currently focused on Everson’s well-being and providing the appropriate support for him and his family.”