Ex-Rocket Eddie Griffin Dies

Eddie Griffin 25, died Friday in southeast Houston when his SUV smashed into an oncoming train. Officials stated that Griffin's SUV exploded on impact after he ignored all railroad warning lights and sirens as he drove around the railroad barrier as the train was crossing. His body was burned so beyond recognition that he wasn't identified until yesterday when dental records confirmed his identity.

The Rockets thought so much of Griffin's talents that they traded three first-round draft picks to the New Jersey Nets for his draft rights in 2001. In his rookie year with Houston, Griffin averaged 8.8 points with 5.7 rebounds and ranked 13th in the NBA with 1.84 blocks per game.

Griffin's success continued into the 2002-03 season, but eventually his alcoholism caught up with him. During his suspension by the Rockets during the 2003 preseason for missing practices, Griffin was accused of beating and shooting at a woman at his house. The Rockets had enough and he was released two months later.

Griffin played in only 12 games last year with the Minnesota Timberwolves after being released in March for violating the NBA's substance abuse policy.