Former Rockets forward Griffin dies at 25
By LINDSAY WISE
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle
The Harris County Medical Examiner's office has identified former Rockets power forward Eddie Griffin as the man who died when the SUV he was driving plowed into a moving train in southeast Houston last week.
Officials said Griffin, 25, drove his SUV through a railroad crossing barrier and into a moving train about 1:30 a.m. on Aug. 17. The vehicle burst into flames on impact, damaging Griffin's body so badly that investigators had to use his dental records to verify his identity Tuesday.
Griffin, whom the Rockets acquired for three first-round draft picks in 2001, faced off-court troubles throughout his NBA career. A power forward, he was released by the Rockets in 2003 after several run-ins with the law.
He played briefly in New Jersey for the Nets before moving to Minnesota to play for the Timberwolves, who waved him in March.
``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.''
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