Everson Griffen, Tased Minnesota Vikings Player, Avoids Felony but Not Scrunity for Alleged Assault on Cop
(CBS/AP) Minnesota Vikings defense end Everson Griffen will not face felony charges for allegedly assaulting a Los Angeles police officer Monday, but the NFL has launched its own investigation regarding the incident.
Police spokeswoman Karen Rayner tells City News Service that officers used a Taser to subdue Griffen who became "uncooperative and tried to run from officers" during a routine traffic stop Monday afternoon in South Los Angeles.
The 23-year-old rookie was released from jail early Tuesday on $50,000 bail, about 9 1/2 hours after he was arrested, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's jail Web site.
According to the charge of evaluation worksheet obtained by celebrity gossip site, TMZ, Griffen was tased twice by officers and when on the ground he grabbed an officer "in the crotch and squeezed."
Officer Norma Eisenman said Griffen was booked for felony battery, but Shiara Davila-Morales, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County District Attorney, said her office declined to file a felony charge and passed the case on to the city attorney for review.
Spokesmen for the NFL and the Vikings said those organizations would conduct their own investigations.
"We are aware of yesterday's alleged incident involving Everson Griffen," spokesman Jeff Anderson told the Associated Press Tuesday. "At this time, the team is gathering all the facts and will withhold any further comment."
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the league is looking into Griffen's situation. The former University of Southern California lineman could face punishment, per the league's personal conduct policy.
Griffen also received a citation for public drunkenness early Saturday, said Eisenman.
Griffen entered the 2010 NFL draft as a junior, and was selected by Minnesota in the fourth round.
He is due in court Feb. 25.
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February 1, 2011 - Everson Griffen, Minnesota Vikings Defensive End, Tased After Allegedly Attacking Officer