Eddie Griffin (basketball)

Eddie Jamaal Griffin ( * May 30, 1982 in Philadelphia, † August 17 2007 in Houston ) was an American professional basketball player. He was 2.08m tall and weighed 109 kg. He played on the position of power forward.

Career

Eddie Griffin's basketball career began at Seton Hall University. He was the best player of his university, and was considered one of the favorites for the " Number One Pick" in the NBA Draft 2001. Draft At night it chose the New Jersey Nets at seventh place. He was immediately traded to the Houston Rockets on. There, Griffin played to 2003, All - Rookie Second was in the NBA voted Team of the Year in 2002, and was for the Rockets in section 8.1 PpS ( points per game ), 6.0 RpS ( rebounds per game ) and 1.4 IPS ( blocks per game ) achieve. His talent was undisputed, however, he had to find a new club because of his alcohol addiction after the contract ends, because the Rockets were not willing to extend his contract. He joined the 2003/04 season to the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he played until 2007. Griffin, however, never managed to convince at the Timberwolves. This was due above all his problems outside the field. In an NBA - control hashish was detected in him. The Timberwolves Griffin dismissed in early 2007. He found after release no more club.

Death

Griffin worked in the summer of his career and was ready for a move to Europe. On 17 August 2007 he was in his hometown of Houston on the road. Late at night, he arrived at a railroad crossing, in which already sounded the signal that told him that equal a train would pass. On mysteriously Griffin ignored this signal and drove over the railroad crossing. He was hit by a freight train. Griffin died instantly because his vehicle after a few meters, caught fire, according to an expert. Just four days after his death could Griffins body are identified by a dental impression. In its report, the pathologist testified: " Griffin was burned beyond recognition. " In the press quickly came to the question of suicide. This hypothesis has been challenged quickly by his former coach: " Eddie was just about to prepare for his comeback I do not believe that he has committed suicide. . "

Griffin leaves behind a wife and five year old daughter.