News / Sports
Former Timberwolves Forward Eddie Griffin Killed in Car Crash
Former Minnesota Timberwolves forward Eddie Griffin was killed when his sport utility vehicle was hit by a train in Houston last week. Upon initial findings of the wreck, it was undetermined who the victim was. It took dental records to identify the body as Eddie Griffin.
Griffin has been in and out of the NBA since he was the No. 7 pick in the 2001 NBA Draft. The former Seton Hall standout and McDonald's All-American started his NBA career just months after his older brother and mentor passed away and his college coach, Tommy Amaker, left the program to take the helm at Michigan. Over his five-year career, he was battling severe alcohol problems. He was suspended by the league for five games in January for violating its anti-drug program.
According to Houston police, the driver of the SUV ignored a railroad warning and went through a barrier before striking the moving train about 1:30 a.m. Friday. The resulting fire burned the SUV and the side of a railcar carrying plastic granules. The body was severely burned and unidentifiable.
While in Minnesota, he forged a great bond with star Kevin Garnett, who frequently called Griffin "his son". The team moved Griffin's locker next to Garnett's in order for Garnett's interactions have offer more positive results for Griffin. 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.
