Eddie Griffin | Fatal Alcohol-Related Car Crash

Eddie Griffin was a professional basketball player who passed away in a fatal alcohol-related car crash at the age of 25. According to the autopsy performed, Griffin had more than three times the legal alcohol limit in his system at the time of death.

About Eddie Griffin

Eddie Jamaal Griffin was born on May 30, 1982 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He attended the Roman Catholic High School of Philadelphia.

As a basketball player in Philly, he was named the National Player of the Year by Parade. Griffin continued to receive awards and praises. Sporting News named Griffin Freshman of the Year.

NBA

Griffin also became a top pick for the 2001 NBA draft after averaging 17.8 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 4.4 blocks for Seton Hall. Despite this, Griffin became aggressive, getting into fights in the locker room with teammates.

Before the NBA draft, Griffin’s half-brother Marvin Powell passed away, marking a tragedy in Griffin’s life. Originally selected for the New Jersey Nets, Griffin was then traded and became part of the Houston Rockets. 

Behavior & Rehab

Unfortunately, Griffin’s career began to decline when he continued to get into fights.

Griffin was released from the Rockets and later signed with the Nets but missed the season due to drug rehabilitation. Afterward, Griffin signed a contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves as a free agent and forward.

Griffin’s statistics and rankings continued to be poor. The NBA player’s personal struggles with addiction impacted his work life.

In December 2006, Griffin played his final NBA game, losing to the San Antonio Spurs. By March 2007, Griffin was released by the Timberwolves. This would be the Griffin’s last season.

How Eddie Griffin Died

According to the medical examiner’s office, Eddie Griffin died from blunt force injuries caused by an alcohol-related car crash. According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, Griffin ignored a railroad warning, striking a moving train and resulting in a fiery crash.

At the time of his death, Griffin was in Houston, Texas. The Houston police stated the crash occurred during the early hours of the morning of August 17, 2007. Griffin was only 25 years old.

Alcohol Intoxication

The Harris County medical examiner’s office also found that Griffin had more than three times the legal limit of alcohol at 0.26. The legal limit at the time in Texas was 0.08.

The moving freight train was carrying plastic and caught on fire once the car crash occurred. In fact, Griffin’s body was burned so badly he was identified by matching dental records.

Eddie Griffin’s History Of Alcohol Abuse

As early as 2003, Griffin struggled with alcohol misuse, missing practices and even games. This led to outbursts and fights.

The Vice President of the Timberwolves basketball operations stated Griffin took Antabuse for alcohol use disorder. Antabuse is a drug which causes the person drinking alcohol to become sick in hopes of preventing the consumption of alcohol.

According to the New York Times, Griffin was suspended from the NBA for five games for violating the anti-drug program. Griffin’s attorney Rusty Hardin stated Griffin participated in heavy alcohol use, participating in binge drinking.

Did Eddie Griffin Attend Alcohol Rehab?

In early 2004, only two months after signing with the Nets in January, Griffin sought treatment for his alcoholism. He entered a well-known rehabilitation center during this time.

Griffin’s teammates and coaches knew of his alcohol abuse. John Lucas, the former NBA player and coach who had suffered from his own substance abuse issues, tried to help Griffin.

According to ESPN, in order to help Griffin remain sober, the Timberwolves placed Kevin Garnett’s locker beside Griffin’s in the hope of providing support for the power forward of the team. Garnett was the MVP at the time.

Recovery Is Possible

Although Eddie Griffin never overcame his battle with alcohol addiction, recovery is possible with personalized treatment tools and resources.

In fact, at Ark Behavioral Health, we treat alcohol use disorder with a combination of evidence-based services such as behavioral therapy, medication-assisted treatment, peer support, and individualized clinical resources.

To learn more, please contact us today.