In brief: Former T-Wolves forward killed in crash
Former Minnesota Timberwolves forward Eddie Griffin died last week in Houston when his sport utility vehicle collided with a freight train in a fiery crash, the Harris County medical examiner’s office said Tuesday.
Investigators used dental records to identify Griffin, 25, who began his tumultuous pro career with the Houston Rockets in 2001.
He was waived by the Timberwolves in March.
The five-year veteran, who was the No. 7 pick in the 2001 NBA draft, had battled alcohol problems since coming out of Seton Hall. Griffin was suspended by the league for five games in January for violating the anti-drug program.
Houston police said in a report that the driver of the SUV ignored a railroad warning and went through a barrier before striking the moving train about 1:30 a.m. Friday.
“Reggie Miller is still debating whether to make a comeback at age 42.
Danny Ainge, the Boston Celtics’ basketball boss, has acknowledged he and Miller have had discussions, although Miller said a decision might not come for another month.
“The NBA chose former federal prosecutor Lawrence B. Pedowitz to oversee a review of its policies regarding gambling and its referees in the wake of the Tim Donaghy scandal.
Meanwhile, sources told the Philadelphia Daily News that Donaghy is expected to turn over the names of former colleagues who bet at golf courses, racetracks and casinos during the season, and are involved in football pools.
Football
Hurricanes on move
The Orange Bowl hosted a dozen games that decided college football’s national championship, five Super Bowls and a speech by John F. Kennedy. Miami football called it home for seven decades – but after this year, no more.
The Hurricanes will play at Dolphin Stadium starting in 2008, leaving the historic but decaying Orange Bowl in what university president Donna Shalala called “a painful and sad decision.” University trustees voted to make the move, despite the offer of $206 million by city officials to renovate the landmark.
“Michigan tight end Carson Butler has been reinstated to the team after being cleared of charges of attacking a student on St. Patrick’s Day.
“West Virginia suspended cornerback Ellis Lankster and linebacker J.T. Thomas, two days after they were arrested for transferring and receiving stolen property.
Miscellany
Davenport delayed
Lindsay Davenport’s return to professional tennis was postponed when her doubles match at the Pilot Pen event was bumped because of rain in New Haven, Conn.
“Jockey Perry Ouzts earned his 5,000th career victory when he rode Kandinsky to a wire-to-wire win in the first race at River Downs in Cincinnati.
“Dance Smartly, which in 1991 became the first Canadian-bred horse to win a Breeders’ Cup race, died in Milton, Ontario, after an injury in her paddock. She was 19.
“The Associated Press and NBC Universal reached a deal that allows AP to include video links and other exclusive content from the 2008 Summer Olympics in a premium online service, the companies said.