Vikings' Everson Griffen says he's a changed man

No longer in trouble with the law after a pair of arrests in January for resisting arrest and allegedly being drunk in public, Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen says he's a changed man.

Prosecutors decided not to file charges against Griffen, who was tased by police after he attempted to run away from them following a traffic stop. When officers attempted to restrain the NFL player, he allegedly "grabbed an officer's crotch."

Now, the former USC player is working out in Minnesota to spend time with teammates after getting in trouble in Los Angeles, according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

"I had a little rough stretch," Griffen said. "Coaches want me back, and that's the place for me to be. That's not me at all. I'm just trying to make changes. I've got big years coming up. I'm just trying to show the Minnesota Vikings I'm here for good."

Athletically gifted, Griffen built a reputation for having vast potential while playing for the Trojans. However, he also disappointed the coaching staff by not achieving that potential.

Griffen was counseled by Vikings coach Leslie Frazier about his legal problems as well as an ill-conceived Las Vegas party that was cancelled.

"He said, 'Know what you're here for,'" Griffen said. "I'm here to play football. I'm here to represent the Minnesota Vikings, and I want to represent them in a good way, not a bad way."

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