Police investigate alleged shooting at Eddie Griffin's home
Rockets player is accused of assault: Woman alleges beating, gunshots
MYSTERY MAN: Rockets' Griffin remains a closed book as troubles mount
You're 21 years old, talented, and you make millions, simply to play the game of basketball. You would think that picky little details like showing up for games and practices wouldn't be a problem. Normally, it wouldn't be- unless you live in Eddie Griffin's world. The Rockets' third-year forward out of Seton Hall has never been renowned for his maturity and sense of responsibility. Now he's showing us what an imbecile he really is.
The blood on the driveway and shell casings in front of Houston Rockets forward Eddie Griffin's home early Saturday spelled further troubles for an already precarious career.
A well-profiled fight with a teammate at Seton Hall, a marijuana possession arrest in April and indefinite suspension from the Rockets for conduct detrimental to the team have now been overshadowed by yet another incident -- a woman's claims that Griffin, 21, beat her and shot at her at his home in a gated community in southwest Houston.
Joann Romero, 21, who told police she was Griffin's girlfriend, was not hit by the gunfire, but was taken to Spring Branch Medical Center with what one officer described as "serious injuries" to her face. She told police she wants to prosecute, although Griffin had not been charged later Saturday.
Griffin's attorney Rusty Hardin talked to the player Saturday night and said Romero is not Griffin's girlfriend, but an acquaintance.
"She entered his house without his permission on other occasions, and she did the same thing this (Friday) night and the incident occurred," Hardin said. "I don't want to comment on the details of what she said, but let the police investigation speak for itself. As far as he's (Griffin) concerned, she broke into his house."
Hardin said Griffin was staying with family and friends in Houston on Saturday night and he did not believe Griffin had been in contact with police.
"He's obviously upset and concerned about it, but I just don't want us talking about it until police finish their investigation," he said.
Griffin, a 6-foot-9, 210-pounder who played at Seton Hall for one year, was the seventh overall selection in the 2001 NBA draft. The Rockets acquired rights to Griffin in a trade with the New Jersey Nets for three first-round draft choices. Although he was named to the NBA all-rookie second team in 2002, his talent has been marred by personality conflicts.
In 2001, Griffin was suspended for punching Seton Hall teammate Ty Shine in the locker room after they lost to Georgetown. It was not the first time such troubles had surfaced. In high school, Griffin was expelled for starting a fight in the school cafeteria, according to the ClutchCity.net, a fan Web site.
"Character may come into question after he sucker-punched Ty Shine and refused to apologize, the second off the court fight in as many years. Must prove that off the court temper problems are not going to be a continuing problem," states Griffin's profile on the NBAdraft.net Web site.
Griffin was a candidate for the Rockets' starting lineup this year, but troubles continued to haunt him in pre-season camp. He has been indefinitely suspended "for conduct detrimental to the team."
The suspension began after he skipped a trip to Sacramento, Calif. Griffin, the youngest player on the team, then missed a practice and a special workout Friday as part of the process for working his way back from the suspension.
Saturday's incident could further complicate the Rockets' decision about Griffin's future since the team has to decide by Friday whether to exercise the option on the fourth season of his contract. A decision not to extend the contract beyond its third season would diminish Griffin's trade value.
If the Rockets are smart- and that's not something I'd wager anything of any value on- they'd cut their losses and cut Griffin loose. There are a plethora of talented players out there who will show up and work hard every single day. Why waste your time on am immature kid who thinks the world owes him? Cut him loose and let him become someone else's problem.
Gee, Eddie, you're living every playground kid's dream. How difficult can it be to conduct yourself like a reasonably mature, professional adult? Do you have ANY idea how many people would trade places with you in a heartbeat? All you have to do is show up on time- something that millions of us do every single day- and for a LOT less money. Congratulations on your DUMASS AWARD, Eddie- you deserve it.
