LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Eddie Griffin: Houston Rockets
built 194 days ago
After starring one year at Seton Hall University, Griffin was chosen seventh overall in the 2001 NBA draft and began his career with the Houston Rockets. The Rockets cut ties with the Philadelphia native in 2003 amid Griffin's problems with alcohol. New Jersey signed him in January 2004, but he never appeared in a Nets uniform. He missed the entire 2003-04 season, when he was admitted to alcohol abuse treatment.
Source:
"If this is true, then Eddie is free now,'' said former Rockets guard and NBA coach John Lucas, who worked with Griffin in Lucas' Houston-based substance rehabilitation program. "I'm just sad. Just so sad.''
Source:
All the sadness and confusion over his five torturous seasons in the NBA chased him to his final moments Friday in Houston, when Griffin barreled through a blinking warning and a barrier and exploded his SUV into a moving freight train. The flames burned him beyond recognition. They had to chase down dental records to confirm Griffin, 25, had been the driver with a death wish.
Source:
Griffin had a series of suspensions, court dates and missed practices during his first two years in the NBA with Houston and New Jersey. He spent time in the Betty Ford Center for alcohol treatment in 2003-04.
Source:
Less than a week after Amaker bolted, Griffin announced he would enter the NBA draft. He was taken seventh overall by the New Jersey Nets in June 2001, and immediately dealt to the Rockets. As his pro career took off, his personal problems accelerated.
Source:
Griffin suffered from alcoholism, and his troubles piled up quickly over the following year. In December 2003, the Rockets released him after he missed practices and a team flight. Griffin signed with the Nets in January 2004, but missed the entire 2003-04 season when he entered an alcohol rehabilitation center.
Source:
MORE ABOUT
Houston Rockets