Griffen apologizes to everyone impacted by his absence as he works through personal issues

In a statement posted to his Instagram account on Thursday, Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen apologized to everyone impacted by his absence as he works through "personal issues."

The three-time Pro Bowl selection did not play in last Sunday's loss to Buffalo or Thursday night's game against the Los Angeles Rams.

"This past week's events have raised many questions, and I want to apologize to everyone who was impacted," he wrote. "I am currently focused on resolving personal issues with which I have been dealing for a long time. Once I have had time to address those issues, I hope to share my story with everyone."

Griffen thanked his family, his teammates, the Vikings organization and the fans for their support. He also vowed to return.

"I apologize for not being able to take the field with my teammates and do not have an exact timeline for my return," he wrote. "I promise, however, I will return as a much-improved person and player."

Griffen, 30, was ordered by the Vikings earlier this week to undergo a mental evaluation following an incident involving the police last weekend at a Minneapolis hotel.