5 NBA players who committed suicide

#2 Eddie Griffin

Eddie Griffin

Eddie Griffin began his NBA career with the Houston Rockets, after being drafted and traded by the New Jersey Nets in 2001. His first two years were solid once, including an All-NBA Rookie Second team selection, however, alcoholism was a major part of life.

The Rockets cut him after numerous troubles - missing practices and a team fight. He missed an entire season after entering an alcohol rehabilitation center. In 2004, he signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves. While the first season at the new location showed promise, things didn't go well from then on.

After a car accident, an intoxication report and a drop in contribution on the court, he was released by the Timberwolves in March of 2007. Over a six-year span, in 303 NBA games, he averaged 7.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.7 blocks and 0.8 assists.

He died in a car crash on August 17th, 2007. He ignored a railroad warning and ended up colliding with a moving train. Blood reports later showed his blood-alcohol level to be 0.26, more than three times the permitted level in Texas (0.08).