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Chron.com: Player and coach's comments on Griffin's release

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by codell, Dec 19, 2003.

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  1. codell

    codell Member

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    Mods: If necessary, please feel free to merge this with the other EG thread concerning his release. Just didn't want this to get lost. :)


    By JONATHAN FEIGEN
    Copyright 2003 Houston Chronicle

    To coach Jeff Van Gundy, Eddie Griffin was a player who hurt himself and his team, a "nice kid" who made the Rockets' decision for them. To Steve Francis, Griffin was a friend and teammate cut loose another chance too soon.

    To others, he was a young man with problems in need of a new start.

    But in many ways when the Rockets waived Griffin on Friday they were saying the same thing: that Griffin's Rockets career could have and should have been so much more, and nothing will change that.

    Griffin's tenure with the Rockets has been reduced to a cautionary tale of unrealized potential and an organization left with nothing to show for a draft-night gamble on a talented, but ultimately troubled teen.

    With Griffin, 21, suspended since October and facing felony assault and misdemeanor drug possession charges, the Rockets reached a settlement agreement to waive him Friday. Griffin, a 6-10 forward acquired for three first-round picks in 2001, averaged 8.7 points, on 38.3 percent shooting, and 5.8 rebounds in 150 games.

    But he was viewed as such a prized prospect, the Rockets considered him one of the keys to the team's rebuilding plans and one of the inspirations of owner Leslie Alexander's much-repeated claim that the Rockets would be "one of the greatest teams ever assembled."

    "There's no doubt that Eddie's actions hurt us," Van Gundy said. "There's no doubt it set us back as an organization and as a team. We didn't do this to Eddie; Eddie did it to himself and to us. There is the rub that players and coaches and management will always disagree on. It's a significant blow to absorb. There's no doubt about that. Certainly, all the things that have happened now culminating in this has set us back."

    Van Gundy characterized the decision as mutual and said it would allow Griffin to "get a fresh start." Griffin and his agent, Arn Tellem, did not return calls Friday.

    But Francis refused to endorse the move, describing it as a firing.

    "It's tough for me, being I was ... here when they made the trade to get him," Francis said. "Whether it's right, I can't really comment. I guess it's the way the organization decided it wanted to go

    "I wouldn't have done it. You've got to give somebody a second chance. That's what I think. For me, being the captain of the team, I'll still support him anyway because he's one of the people I played with. I've never seen anything like it. I've heard stories of how they do it. Definitely, I am surprised.

    "Hopefully, he'll have a good support group of people trying to help him. As a friend, it's tough. To me, it's basically just deciding to give somebody their walking papers. Hopefully, it will be good for him."

    The notion Friday's move could benefit Griffin was repeated often.

    Van Gundy cited the team's repeated efforts to help Griffin.

    "I've never seen an organization go above and beyond for its players like this one does," Van Gundy said.

    "This has been very disappointing for our franchise," Rockets general manager Carroll Dawson said. "We had high hopes for Eddie and still feel that he has the ability to be a very good player in this league if he gets his personal issues resolved.

    "However, there are times when you have to make difficult decisions like this because it is the right thing to do for all parties involved."

    Several players described forcing Griffin to move on as the best thing for him. Griffin was discharged from voluntary treatment for substance abuse and depression Dec. 10. Griffin had been ordered to obey a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew.

    "I'm just happy he is out of the situation he is in and starting anew," Cuttino Mobley said. "It's really going to help him. He's got a little of a bad rep right now. But he'll clean it up and go somewhere else.

    "I definitely think he'll play again. He's kind of at a stage now where he's young. That kind of hurt him a little bit, but he's focused. And I'm pretty sure he's had time to think. He'll be fine."

    Van Gundy told the team of the decision to release Griffin before Friday's shootaround. But Van Gundy said the news was not an acceptable excuse for failing to prepare or play well. After Griffin's arrest on a drug charge last season, the Rockets had the worst scoring game in franchise history and the fewest points in consecutive Rockets games.

    "You could get distracted over anything any day if you want to," Van Gundy said. "You get paid to do a job and you're supposed to do it well.

    "It's great that they feel strongly about Eddie. And I think they all do realize that an owner has to look out for his business and the players have responsibilities that they're accountable to. Certainly, in some ways, players look at it one-sided. I understand where they're coming from in that. This is a situation that it wasn't decided by the Rockets. It was decided mutually by both parties that it's best. I don't know why a player would be upset when another player comes to an agreement about what's best for him.

    "I think it's right for Eddie. He wanted a fresh start in many ways even before it came to this. And I think it's right for the team. Hopefully, he'll get himself healthy, feeling better and he'll finish up with the legal matters. I hope he can lead an enjoyable life, take advantage of that second chance that he'll get and make the most of it. He is a good kid. He's a nice kid. He's just got to get on the right path so he can lead a happy and productive life."

    Because Griffin is young, he is expected to receive offers to play again. Sources said Rockets officials spoke with several teams about trading Griffin but could only get offers in which they would have had to take players and long-term contracts they didn't want.

    "Hopefully, it's the best for him so he can get his life together," Jim Jackson said. "That's much more important than basketball. Maybe a change of scenery, new venue, new people will help him get through the things he needs to get through.

    "It's tough. You hate to see somebody go through what he's gone through. At the same time, life throws you a lot of curves. Some people handle it differently. Hopefully, Eddie is getting through this and he'll be better off this way by changing and leaving and doing something else."

    Though the move could not have come as a great surprise, the cutting of Griffin stunned. And no matter how the decision was viewed, there was some consensus.

    "I'm really sorry to hear about it," Yao Ming said. "I think it's a waste."
     
    #1 codell, Dec 19, 2003
  2. AMS

    AMS Member

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    I guess this would go in the "when was the last time you cried thread" but all these articles about griffen, and this one finally did it :(


    good luck Eggie.
    A fan for life
     
    #2 AMS, Dec 20, 2003
  3. Mexican_Moose

    Mexican_Moose Member

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    Its all good!


    -Its all good!
     
    #3 Mexican_Moose, Dec 20, 2003
  4. Raven

    Raven Member

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    The tumor has been removed from the teams body, and the team is healthier for it.

    Raven
     
    #4 Raven, Dec 20, 2003
  5. The Real Shady

    The Real Shady Member

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    There is still one more left in Moochie.
     
    #5 The Real Shady, Dec 20, 2003
  6. Roc Paint

    Roc Paint Member

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    ****ing Eddie Griffin :confused:
     
    #6 Roc Paint, Dec 20, 2003
  7. GATER

    GATER Member

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    Someone please correct me if I am wrong but it is my understanding that...

    * While suspended, Eddie Griffins salary was/is $0.

    * By cutting Eddie Griffin, the Rockets and Eddie Griffin mutually agree to a lump sum contract buyout amount of money.


    Maybe I'm missing something. If neither Griffin, his legal representation, nor the Rockets can guarantee that Griffin will be able to play (or be on the active roster) at anytime during the current season...isn't the buyout doing Griffin a big financial favor?

    But let's suppose Griffin and his legal representation say..."hey, Eddie will be ready about game 60...the last week of February...we'll have everything cleared up by then...count on it". The lump sum buyout amount is easily more than a +/- 20 game salary. Again, the buyout being a financially favorable situation for Griffin.

    Further, after Griffin "clears waivers" on Sunday, he will able to sign with the team of his choice. But he must do so by March 1, 2004 to be on the signing teams' playoff roster. So, IMO if Griffin isn't signed by a team in the next 10 weeks, his next income possibility is training camp 2004-05. Personally, I don't see pre-March 1 as likely and again the buyout was/is a financial benefit to Griffin whether Griffin is picked up by another team or not.

    Where is all of this heading?

    If there is the least chance that Griffin returns to the NBA, IMO the Rockets did the right thing by him and (making an admittedly large assumption) that ought to be the first place Griffin goes when seeking new employment. Just my nickel on the subject... :)
     
    #7 GATER, Dec 20, 2003
  8. Old Man Rock

    Old Man Rock Contributing Member

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    Sounds like this was JVG's decision and he is trying to pass the buck. I am with Steve on this one, the guy deserves a second chance. Too bad he will get it somewhere else. Eddie will be a solid player in this league. And the Rockets willl be haunted by this for years.

    I don't see this happening with Rudy at the helm. So frustrating.
     
    #8 Old Man Rock, Dec 20, 2003
  9. Sane

    Sane Member

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    I think the Bucks, Heat and Hawks ar egoing to be very happy with this decision.

    Knicks may also get in on this if they are able to deal Kurt Thomas. Minnesotta wouldn't mind some depth up front either I guess, and they don't have a draft pick, so picking up a young and talented player would be great for them.

    I think Eddie will succeed. He wouldn't have succeeded if all this hadn't happened, but now that it has, I think he will.
     
    #9 Sane, Dec 20, 2003
  10. acrophobia98

    acrophobia98 Member

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    Sadly, that is true.

    But to JVG, that is a current problem. If he does not remove the cancer, there is no life for Rocket.

    And you are right that EG will be a good player down the road, even for Rocket. But that has to be a reborn Rocket probably with a new coach. So, if you were the current coach, what would you do? Leave EG there and hurt you but benefit the next coach....



    :)
     
    #10 acrophobia98, Dec 20, 2003
  11. Jeff

    Jeff Clutch Crew

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    The recent decision that Griffin will be tried on both the mar1juana counts as well as a felony assault charge predicated this decision. Leaving him on the suspended list still left him on the team and the Rockets wanted everyone to be clear where they stood on Griffin's behavior.

    Something key to remember is that, because the judge in his case set a 6pm curfew, he will not be able to play basketball until after his court date in April. Furthermore, there is a very good chance he could be found guilty and, if he is, he will do jail time, maybe as much as a year or more.

    The Rockets did the right thing, but not for Griffin. This was a move designed to send a message that they won't put up with this kind of behavior - i.e. this ain't the Jailblazers.
     
    #11 Jeff, Dec 20, 2003
  12. GATER

    GATER Member

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    Go read my first post. The Rockets did Griffin a huge financial favor by waiving him. He makes $0 while suspended and there is absolutely no guarantee that Griffin will be physically, mentally AND legally ready to play in the NBA by March 1, 2004.

    Please define for me where there is even the most remote opportunity for a "second chance"?

    And you would expect Rudy to do what....? Continue to pay Griffin $28,000 per game to sit in a metal rehab ward or jail?
     
    #12 GATER, Dec 20, 2003
  13. ricerocket

    ricerocket Member

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    Looks like they felt they would reduce the obligation before 1/10 to 80%? Even though it is an insured illness, the key is the "and" with skill.

    I still think a judge would modify his curfew for work purpose. The monitoring may be more strict, i.e. electronic or such. Maybe a commiyment by the new team to provide third party monitoring.
     
    #13 ricerocket, Dec 20, 2003
  14. JoeBarelyCares

    JoeBarelyCares Member

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    The player's union wouldn't have let us keep Griffin on the suspended (without pay) list all year. I'm suprised they let it go on as long as they did. Thus, the buyout. I'm willing to bet a compromise was reached, and EG wasn't paid full value. The judge's curfew could have given the Rockets leverage in seeking a reduction; as such, this would have been the best time for the them to seek a deal. Also, from a publicity standpoint, when EG goes to trial, it will be "ex-Rocket Eddie Griffin" getting the bad headlines, not "Rocket Eddie Griffin."
     
    #14 JoeBarelyCares, Dec 20, 2003
  15. GATER

    GATER Member

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    Jeff -
    I don't live in Houston so maybe I'm missing something.

    What you are trying to tell me is that the Rockets have such a concern for local PR that a suspension, total abdication, and lack of being on the payroll is not enough of a distancing move? Considering that these are all still allegations awaiting prosecution? If that is what you believe, fine but I would need someone like Tim to voice that opinion to quell my skepticism (nothing personal towards you).

    I just don't view the Rockets as anything near the JailBlazers...not even remotely close. My nearest comparison in Austin was Cedric Benson breaking into a home to see if his stolen TV was in there. It briefly hit the papers and was gone.

    Further, if the curfew truly lasts until the April court date, it is not possible for Griffin to play for any NBA team this season. By leaving Griffin suspended, he will have no income. By waiving him, he will have a lump sum buyout. IMHO, you are making an assumption that something advantageous to the Rockets has to be disadvantageous to Griffin.

    I obviously have a minority opionion, but I see the waiving of Griffin and giving him money as better than leaving him suspended.
     
    #15 GATER, Dec 20, 2003
  16. Jeff

    Jeff Clutch Crew

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    I personally think this was the right thing to do. If you keep him on the suspended list, it not only creates the impression that he is still a member of the organization even though he can't play again this season due to his curfew and he'll be a free agent next year. It also prohibits Griffin from getting on with his life away from the Rockets.

    By releasing him and buying out the remainder of his contract, the Rockets get rid of a lingering problem (remember that this didn't start with the original suspension - CD stated this had been going on for a year and a half) and give the guy what he wants - his freedom to pursue other options.
     
    #16 Jeff, Dec 20, 2003
  17. ima_drummer2k

    ima_drummer2k Member

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    Sorry man, I just can't agree with this. I'm not in to kicking a man when he's down, but I just never saw the "potential" in EG that everyone else did.

    He didn't have the ball handling skills or the jumper to play the 3, plus he was to slow. He didn't have the body or the desire to play the 4. Where was he supposed to play?

    If he does come back, IMO he'll never be more than a Rober Horry type player. Block some shots, make some 3's, that's about it.
     
    #17 ima_drummer2k, Dec 20, 2003
  18. acrophobia98

    acrophobia98 Member

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    That makes sense to me. :)
     
    #18 acrophobia98, Dec 20, 2003
  19. GATER

    GATER Member

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    It is not without precedence. The Clippers suspended Keith Closs on Jan. 24, 2000 (game 57) for "lack of physical conditioning" (too skinny). To my knowledge, Closs was not awarded compensation and he has never returned to the NBA. Griffins situation is much worse than physical conditioning.
     
    #19 GATER, Dec 20, 2003
  20. ragingFire

    ragingFire Contributing Member

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    How did you come to any of these conclusions?

    You would just think the worst of Jeff about everything and he has done nothing to you!
     
    #20 ragingFire, Dec 20, 2003
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