Former Vikings Star Everson Griffen Charged After Police Say Vehicle Lacked Required Ignition Interlock

Former Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen has been charged with driving in violation of a restricted license after a traffic stop in Winona, Minnesota.

Officers then determined that the vehicle did not have the functioning ignition-interlock device required by his driving privileges, according to a criminal complaint filed in Winona County District Court.

Griffen, 38, faces a gross misdemeanor charge. He was taken into custody and later released on bond, with his next court appearance scheduled to take place remotely on August 28.

The former Pro Bowl player addressed the arrest in an Instagram statement, saying he had not consumed alcohol or used drugs before the stop. The pending charge concerns the license restriction and does not accuse Griffen of impaired driving on July 23.

Police Say Griffen Was Driving 22 MPH Over the Limit

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The traffic stop began at approximately 8:12 p.m. on Riverview Drive. An officer alleged that Griffen was traveling 62 mph where the posted speed limit was 40 mph, according to court documents obtained by Bring Me The News.

After reviewing Griffen’s driving record, the officer found a restriction requiring him to operate only vehicles equipped with a functioning ignition interlock. The device prevents a vehicle from starting until the driver provides a breath sample showing no alcohol.

The complaint states that Griffen told the officer he had taken a test needed to restore his license but had failed it. A Winona Police Department sergeant reviewed the record and confirmed that the ignition-interlock restriction remained active.

Local reports said the restriction followed a 2024 DWI conviction for which Griffen remains on supervised probation. The July 23 case is being prosecuted separately in Winona County.

Griffen Denies Drinking or Using Drugs Before the Stop

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In a statement posted to Instagram after his release, Griffen said his license had been revoked because he had not completed a required class or test.

“My license was revoked because I forgot to complete the required class/test,” he wrote. Griffen said he had recently moved and planned to address both the requirement and his change of address on Monday.

He also denied being impaired during the traffic stop, writing that he “wasn’t drinking” and rejecting suggestions that drugs were involved.  KSTP reported that Griffen was taken into custody following the records check. The gross misdemeanor charge remains pending.

Griffen Recently Marked One Year of Sobriety

Griffen announced in June that he was approaching one year of sobriety. His Instagram biography now states that he has reached the one-year mark, and he has recently written about rebuilding his physical and mental health.

The Vikings selected Griffen in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He spent his first 10 seasons in Minnesota, played for the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions in 2020, and returned to the Vikings for his final season in 2021.

Griffen recorded 85.5 sacks during his 12-year NFL career and earned four Pro Bowl selections. His 74.5 sacks for Minnesota rank fourth in Vikings history.