HOUSTON (AP) - Embattled former Minnesota Timberwolves forward Eddie Griffin has been identified today as the victim of a fiery
SUV-train collision in Houston.
Griffin was 25.
He died in Friday's predawn accident with a freight train.
A Houston police report says the SUV ignored a railroad warning
and went through a barrier before striking the moving train.
The driver's body was badly burned and had no identification.
A medical examiner used dental records to identify Griffin.
The Timberwolves waived Griffin in March -- ending his
tumultuous three seasons in Minnesota.
Griffin's first two years in the NBA with Houston and New Jersey
included a series of suspensions, court dates and missed practices.
He spent time in rehab for alcohol treatment.
The former seventh overall draft pick had battled alcohol
problems since coming out of Seton Hall. He was suspended by the
NBA for five games in January for violating the anti-drug program.