Month: February 2011 (Page 49 of 49)

Vikings’ DE Griffen arrested twice in three days

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick evades a sack attempt by Minnesota Viking defensive end Everson Griffen during third quarter Philadelphia Eagles-Minnesota Vikings game action in Philadelphia at Lincoln Financial Field December 28, 2010. UPI/Eileen Angelino

A day after the St. Paul Pioneer Press suggested that he would be given a chance to win a starting job this offseason, Vikings’ defensive end Everson Griffen was arrested twice in three days.

On Monday, he was tasered and arrested after allegedly assaulting a police officer during a traffic stop. The incident took place near USC’s campus, where Griffen attended school. He reportedly became aggressive with officers after he was asked to show an I.D. that he didn’t have. After attempting to run away, he finally assaulted one of them and was charged with felony battery.

Three days prior to that arrest, he was also hauled in for public drunkenness on Friday night in Hollywood.

From the Minneapolis Star-Tribune:

The Los Angeles Times reported that Griffen said “he did not want to go back to jail.”

Griffen also was cited by police in Nantucket, Mass., for a noise violation on July 4, 2009, but it wasn’t completely clear initially why he would have mentioned going back to jail. TMZ’s website helped to clear up why Griffen mentioned returning to jail when it was the first to report that he spent time Saturday in police custody.

I don’t see why this fine, upstanding gentleman wouldn’t be given a chance to start next season. Clearly his decision-making is top notch and obviously he’s dedicated to football in the offseason.

Looks like the Vikes might be seeking a defensive end this offseason.

Robbie Lawler, seven other fighters suspended

Eight fighters, including top contender Robbie Lawler, have been suspended following Saturday night’s “Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Cyborg” writes Nate Lawson of HeavyMMA.com.

The California State Athletic Commission released the medical suspensions stemming from “Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Cyborg” on Monday. Seven fighters were suspended, including Robbie Lawler.

Robbie Lawler, who was submitted by Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza, was suspended for 180 days with 180 days no contact until cleared by physician for a possible fracture to his left foot. Scott Carson, who was defeated by Hershel Walker via technical knockout, was suspended for 45 days with 30 days no contact. He needs a new physical to be cleared in California.

Nate Moore has been suspended for 180 days with 180 days no contact or until cleared by physician for possible fracture on his right wrist and right hand. Also, Nathan Coy, who was brutally knocked out on the evening’s preliminary card, has been suspended indefinitely and must be cleared by a doctor. Still, a 90-day suspension awaits him regardless of a doctor’s clearance.

Four other fighters were also suspended, including Eric Lawson (60 days), Stephanie Webber (45 days), Lucas Gamaza (45 days), and Charlene Gellner (45 days).

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