Griffin's Death Causes Re-evaluation of Leaving School Early

As I site here listening to my music, I'm searching the Internet for some type of news to talk about. I noticed that former Timberwolves Forward Eddie Griffin was killed in a train wreck in Houston, Texas four days ago. The body was burnt beyond recognition so badly the Harris County Medical Examiner had to use dental records to identify him. The ME believes that he ignored the railroad warning when his car was struck by freight train at 1:30am. Let that marinate a minute. Was it suicide? Well, I think enough people know the consequences of trying to outrun a train. The odds of surviving a train accident is less than 0%. In other words, you don't.

Let's look back at Eddie Griffin's career. He was a #7 draft pick to the New Jersey Nets in 2001 after leaving Seton Hall for one season. He played 2 years with the Houston Rockets and finished his last years with the Minnesota Timberwolves. He averaged 22.2 minutes a game with a .377 field goal percentage and a .167 free throw percentage with a total of 2171 points for his career. He wasn't an excellent player but he was average. Average. He made a decent contribution but it wasn't enough to help Kevin Garnett make it to the playoffs.

Griffin was plagued with alcoholism and was suspended at the beginning of the year because he violated the league's anti-drug program. According to head coach Dwayne Casey for the Minnesota Timberwolves, he was working out this summer to return to the league for the start of the 2007 season. He had his head on straight but apparently, it wasn't straight enough. A young man in his prime and at the young age of 25. We will never know if he would have been another Robert Horry. Robert Horry is what I call a utility player who has 7 championship rings and will come off the bench balling, seizing opportunities for the team he's playing for.

What was it about the NBA life that this young man's life was cut short? He left school early because he felt he was ready for professional life. Yet, his transition into the game wasn't an easy one. He made contributions but wasn't a standout. I had to literally look him up because I had no idea who the young man was. Leaving school early isn't a decision that I support. I truly think young men need to take advantage of the opportunity to grow and mature before trying to take on the burdens and the responsibility of being a professional player. NFL has the best policy when it comes to kids coming out early. I understand basketball isn't a sport anywhere near the physical demands of football but you have to think to yourselves how many of these early starters have truly made that transition smoothly and efficiently. LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett who started this hullabaloo years after Moses Malone... These are exceptions. This also marks a very small group. Athletes making this jump because of money isn't a decent enough reason. These young men need to develop. Strengthen their bodies. Kevin Durant left after his first year at Texas and couldn't bench press 185 lbs. The only player of this year's rookies that couldn't do so. Yet, he's a versatile player without strength. His first outing in the developmental league was also a bust. Who are we kidding? I think he's an awesome player but if he can't pass the strength test and the speed of the game then you need to take your scholarship back. Don't be another Eddie Griffin. Don't let the woes of not being the star player lead you to ruin and depression. Life is worth so much more. Ask Eddie Griffin.