Minnesota’s Griffin Suspended by NBA NEW YORK, Oct. 20 -- Eddie Griffin of the Minnesota Timberwolves has been suspended without pay for three games for pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge of assault, in violation of the law of the State of Texas, the NBA announced today. This plea was made in connection with an incident that occurred in October 2003. Griffin will be suspended for the first three games of the 2004-05 NBA regular season. Should I care anymore ?
Here is an article that goes into a little more depth. What suprised me is the insert "(if he makes the team)". One. I guesss that it is not a guaranteed contract. And two, apparently some discussion that somebody else may be better (or easier to deal with with). I had just assumed it was a done deal. Forward Eddie Griffin, trying to make the Timberwolves squad, will (if he makes the team) be suspended without pay for the first three games of the regular season. 'The suspension was in response to Griffin's guilty plea to a misdemeanor assault charge in an incident in Texas last year, when Griffin was on the Houston Rockets. As a rule, NBA players found guilty or pleading guilty to criminal charges are suspended by the league.' "We understand today's decision by the NBA," Timberwolves vice president Kevin McHale said in a statement. "It addresses an event from Eddie's past, and we know that Eddie regrets the incident and is deeply sorry that it occurred." Griffin was the 7th pick in the 2001 NBA draft. He has career averages of 8.7 points per game and 5.8 rebounds per game. Lats season Griffin was suspended by the Rockets for missing practice and missign a flight. During his suspension he was charged with aggravated assault for punching and shooting at a woman. Also, in 2003 he was charged with possession of mar1juana; and was suspended for fighting in college. http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=griffinsuspended&prov=st&type=lgns
Griffin is getting major reserve minutes for the Wolves in preseason. He is their first "big"off the bench so as long as he keeps himself clean I am sure he will make the team. The suspension is not from anything new so it probably isnt going to effect his standing with the team.
