Former Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen is facing more legal trouble after allegedly driving more than double the speed limit on Interstate 494 in Minnetonka late Friday.
Griffen, who is on probation for a DWI conviction, was pulled over in his 2020 Bentley Bentayga SUV by Minnetonka police on I-494 near Stone Road about 10:15 p.m. for allegedly going 130 mph in a 60 mph zone, court records show. The 37-year-old from Minnetrista was cited for misdemeanor reckless driving and speeding, a petty misdemeanor.
Griffen’s alleged risky behavior comes after he was arrested on a warrant July 19 for alleged probation violations in last year’s DWI case out of Hennepin County. Court documents allege he had failed to abstain from alcohol and substance use and did not comply with random drug testing.
Judge Gina Brandt on July 21 ordered Griffen to undergo an in-custody substance use assessment. Three days later, Brandt ordered Griffen to participate in a treatment program and undergo a mental health evaluation. He was released to his attorney David Valentini to be taken to treatment at the Retreat in Wayzata, according to court records.
Just days earlier, on July 16, Griffen was removed from a Delta Air Lines jet bound for Minneapolis from Chicago shortly after takeoff due to “unruly behavior,” a Delta spokesperson told TMZ Sports, which first reported the incident. A passenger told the media outlet it appeared as though Griffen was trying to smoke something in the bathroom, causing a confrontation with flight attendants. Once the plane landed, Griffen walked off the plane without incident.
Griffen shared on Instagram at the time: “I’m doing just fine. My behavior was not unruly at all. Why would they let me go[?],” according to Sports Illustrated.
Valentini did not immediately respond to a message left Tuesday seeking comment on Friday’s incident.
A review hearing in the DWI case is scheduled for Oct. 27.
Past trouble
The alleged offense is the latest in a string of troubles for Griffen.
In February 2023, he was put on probation for one year for a reckless driving conviction that stemmed from a DWI arrest in Chanhassen in July of that year.
About three months later, Griffen crashed his 2017 Mercedes-Benz into a car, then a fence and gazebo in Mound. He was convicted of failure to drive with due care, a petty misdemeanor.
Griffen was pulled over by a Minnesota State Patrol trooper at 11:35 p.m. May 28, 2024, for driving his Bentley at 82 mph on southbound I-35W near Lake Street. A passenger was in the front seat. A small vial with cocaine was found in his back pocket, and a breath test taken about an hour after the stop registered a 0.10 BAC, the charges said. The legal limit in Minnesota is 0.08.
In November, Griffen was given 60 days on electronic home monitoring and put on probation for four years for driving drunk on Interstate 35W in Minneapolis in May 2024. Judge Brandt followed a plea deal, staying a one-year workhouse sentence.
Griffen has struggled with mental health issues over the years.
Related Articles
Letters: St. Clair Avenue in St. Paul needs speed control and pedestrian protection
MN Capitol rally calls on lawmakers to ban assault rifles
‘A future filled with hope’: Minneapolis community unites to process the tragedy
St. Paul offers to put cops outside every school for week after Minneapolis school shooting
Gov. Tim Walz plans special session on guns after Catholic school shooting
He missed five games in 2018 because of a mental health situation, writing in an Instagram post that he is “bipolar” and will “be an advocate for mental health.”
He spent the 2020 season with the Cowboys and Lions, then rejoined the Vikings for what would be his final year. He 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 had called 911 to report an intruder, though no one 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 played 170 games over his career, finishing with 399 tackles, 85½ sacks, six fumble recoveries, two interceptions and three touchdowns.
Leave a Reply