Former Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen was charged with DUI and reckless driving after a traffic stop in Chanhassen, Minnesota, on Saturday, July 22, 2023.
Griffen, 35, was pulled over by a Carver County sheriff's deputy after the deputy was reported to have seen him driving in a manner that "caused a person or vehicle to dodge" his car. According to a preliminary breath test, Griffen's blood alcohol content was .09%, above the legal limit for driving in Minnesota.
Griffen was booked into the Carver County Jail and released on bail later that day. He is scheduled to appear in court on August 16, 2023.
Background
Griffen was a star defensive end for the Vikings from 2010 to 2019. He was named to the Pro Bowl five times and was a first-team All-Pro selection in 2014.
Griffen was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2018, and he has been open about his struggles with mental health. In 2019, he was hospitalized after he was seen walking around his Minnesota home with a knife.
Impact
The charges against Griffen could have a significant impact on his career. He is currently a free agent, and it is unclear if any team will be willing to sign him after these charges.
Griffen has also been involved in a number of other off-field incidents in recent years. In 2018, he was arrested for disorderly conduct after he was involved in a fight at a Minneapolis bar.
Conclusion
The charges against Everson Griffen are serious, and they could have a significant impact on his career. It remains to be seen what the long-term consequences of these charges will be, but it is clear that Griffen is facing a difficult challenge.