Everson Griffen, former NFL defensive end, was recently chucked from a Delta Airlines flight to Minneapolis from Chicago for ‘unruly behavior’. According to a recent post from TMZ Sports, Griffen was asked to leave the flight for reportedly smoking in the bathroom, which eventually led to a commotion with flight attendants and the pilot.
Everson Griffen
Oct 31, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen (97) greets a member of the Dallas Cowboys during before the teams meet at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports
Shortly after taking off from Chicago O’Hare International Airport, the Delta Airlines flight returned and Griffen was seen being escorted out. A viral picture that TMZ Sports shared showed Griffen taking his bags and getting ready to exit the plane as the flight attendants and other passengers watch.
“Delta has zero tolerance for unruly behavior and will always work with law enforcement to that end. We apologize to our customers for the delay in their travel as safety and security comes before everything else at Delta.” Spokesperson for Delta Airlines, Morgan Durrant, told USA Today about Everson Griffen’s behavior on the flight.
Everson Griffen later on admitted on his Instagram story that he was definitely not “unruly” and seemed puzzled as to why Delta Airlines would ask him to leave. Griffen was also pulled over last year by a cop in Minneapolis for suspicion of driving under the influence. It is widely known that the talented defensive end has had his share of mental health struggles, which led him to only make the reserve team in the 2021 season with the Vikings.
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Oct 10, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen (97) and Minnesota Vikings defensive end D.J. Wonnum (98) on the sidelines in the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports
Everson Griffen’s “Unruly Behavior” Brings About Mixed Reactions
Meanwhile, Everson Griffen’s being asked to leave the Delta Airlines flight as a result of his behavior has brought about mixed reactions from social media users. The comments section of the Instagram post by TMZ Sports is definitely quite interesting, with some empathizing with the player for his mental health struggles, and others plainly mocking him.
Everson Griffen
Oct 31, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen (97) celebrates sacking Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush (10) in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports
At the same time, a certain percentage of the users seemed to racially target Griffin’s behavior, that such ‘unruliness’ is common among African-American athletes. One particular user felt that TMZ Sports itself has a racial bias and would eagerly post anything which shows African-American athletes in a negative light.
Everson Griffen’s mental health issues came to light when the NFL defensive end suffered a crisis at his own home and called the cops. Soon after the incident, Griffen put out a public statement that he struggles from bipolar disorder and since then has taken a backseat from sports and public appearances.
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