Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen was arrested yesterday afternoon near the campus of University of Southern California, Griffen's alma mater.

Griffen allegedly assaulted a police officer, and has been released after posting $50,000 bail.

He is due in court on February 25.

TMZ.com reports that Griffen was also arrested over the weekend in Hollywood on public intoxication charges, which may explain why he reportedly said that "he did not want to go back to jail" when he fled from police on Monday.

“We are aware of yesterday’s alleged incident involving Everson. At this time the team is gathering all the facts and will withhold any further comment", Vikings spokesman Jeff Anderson said in a statement, via Judd Zulgad of the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Griffen was a fourth-round pick (100th overall) in the 2010 NFL Draft, and signed a four-year contract worth $2.33 million last summer. In 11 games, Griffen was credited with 11 tackles.