RIP Eddie Griffin, Age 25

Unfortunate news out of Houston, former NBA star Eddie Griffin has died at age 25 in a horrible car crash.

From Newsday.com:

"HOUSTON - Former Seton Hall star Eddie Griffin, a first- round draft pick of the Nets, died last week when his sport utility vehicle collided with a freight train in a fiery crash, the Harris County medical examiner's office said yesterday.

Investigators used dental records to identify Griffin, 25, who was drafted seventh overall in 2001 by the Nets, who traded him to the Rockets.

Griffin, who had a tumultuous career, was waived by the Timberwolves in March. The five-year veteran had battled alcohol problems since coming out of Seton Hall.

Griffin was suspended by the league for five games in January for violating the anti-drug program.

Houston police said in a report that 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 driver's body was badly burned and there was no identification."

Deepest condolences to all friends, family and fans of Eddie Griffin. Griffin was a solid backup player in the NBA who battled a series of suspensions, court dates and missed practices, and gave his talents to the NBA world. Griffin averaged just 1.4 PPG, 1.9 RPG and 0.5 blocks per game in 13 games for the TWolves in the 2006-07 season.

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