Did the Mob murder Eddie Griffin?

[EGarrett]

As you might know, there is ongoing scandal with an NBA ref who has been discovered to have been gambling on games and giving inside info to the mafia. The ref also announced that he was going to give authorities info on 20 other refs who were involved.

Well, in a seemingly unrelated story, former player Eddie Griffin, a player with a history of some drug abuse and violence, was found dead, having driven his car into a train.

Seemingly unrelated...until now...

http://www.basketballforum.com/nba-forum/373119-eddie-griffin-killed-8.html#post4967356

If this is in any way inappropriate a mod or Clutch please fell free to remove it.

But I just thought I would mention, my girlfriend used to work for the FBI for several years, she quit and now works in private security. When I asked her last night, "Hey did you hear about what happened to Eddie Griffin, not the comedian but the basketball player?"

She said "No, what happened?"

When I told her what happened, her response was a bit chilling, she didn't even flinch, she didn't even hesitate or anything, she just very calmly, very matter of fact said,

"Yep, I've been waiting for something just like this. This is one of the mobs favorite methods of execution. As soon as that NBA ref scandal happened I knew this would follow soon."

I asked her, "You mean you think this is a mob hit related to the betting scandal?"

She said, "It wouldn't surprise me one bit, in fact I am sure that's what it is. Eddie was an easy target to make a statement with because everyone knew about his problems. He wouldn't have to be involved with the betting, but he would be an easy target for a statement hit because no one would question it. But then the mob can send a message to all the players and refs that are involved in it. This will happen to you if you say anything."

She continued, "Actually, just the other day me and Eric (friend of hers from FBI) were saying how we were expecting something like this any day."

I asked her if the FBI believes more refs and players are involved in this betting thing. She said,

"It's been a problem ever since Stern took over as commissioner. He's very connected to it."

I then asked her what she meant by this being a typical mob style hit.

She said, "It has all the exact signs. Easy target, no one will ask questions, related to an issue that threatens the mob, sends a message to people that might have damaging info on them. The no ID on him or the car. The way the car ignored the lights and warnings. How he will I am sure be found to have drugs and alcohol in his system. This is classic-style mafia work.

He had the history of drug and alcohol abuse and depression, so no one questions the extreme bizarre happenings, he even had the previous history with road incidents so it all fits nicely on a death report. Most likely it will turn out that his car was wired up for this and the locks would not open, the windows locked down and the car suddenly accelerated when he approached where the train was.

They follow you around for awhile, if you regularly go over a train track, that's perfect. Train track "incidents" are one of their all-time favorite methods of execution. They probably just rigged the car, followed him, then waited for when he went near the track late at night and pressed a button. He was probably on a typical type schedule pattern and was easy to set up."

I know this is extremely controversial so please anyone who is offended by it just say so and a mod or Clutch just delete. But I thought this was interesting coming from how she was so almost even like, "I'm surprised it took this long" attitude.

[Michael Redman]

A statement hit of a guy who's more or less washed out of the NBA? Not much of a statement.

[Tricky]

I'm thinking it was more likely suicide. However, Griffin would definitely be somebody who could have gotten in trouble with the mob. His whole life was one big train wreck.

[EGarrett]

A statement hit of a guy who's more or less washed out of the NBA? Not much of a statement.Supposedly that's what made him a good target. There's no way they would go after a big NBA star because that would draw WAY too much attention and pretty much destroy the league...so somebody who isn't on a roster right now but is still related would be a better hit.

In theory...that is. Which is why I brought this issue here.

[Darth Rotor]

As you might know, there is ongoing scandal with an NBA ref who has been discovered to have been gambling on games and giving inside info to the mafia. The ref also announced that he was going to give authorities info on 20 other refs who were involved.

Well, in a seemingly unrelated story, former player Eddie Griffin, a player with a history of some drug abuse and violence, was found dead, having driven his car into a train.

Seemingly unrelated...until now...

http://www.basketballforum.com/nba-forum/373119-eddie-griffin-killed-8.html#post4967356
EG, this is an interesting bit of internet discussion, but don't you think it might fit better in the CT forum? Don't know enough about Eddie Griffin to otherwise comment.

DR

[EGarrett]

EG, this is an interesting bit of internet discussion, but don't you think it might fit better in the CT forum? Don't know enough about Eddie Griffin to otherwise comment.

DRThis is the social issues and current events section. This is current events, and deals with mob practices.

Please add to the conversation or go elsewhere.

[Michael Redman]

Supposedly that's what made him a good target. There's no way they would go after a big NBA star because that would draw WAY too much attention and pretty much destroy the league...so somebody who isn't on a roster right now but is still related would be a better hit.

In theory...that is. Which is why I brought this issue here.I don't get it. Who is this "statement" supposed to be aimed at? What is the statement supposed to be? Why would they think killing a nobody (as far as the league is concerned) was an effective means to communicate this message?

[EGarrett]

I don't get it. Who is this "statement" supposed to be aimed at? What is the statement supposed to be? Why would they think killing a nobody (as far as the league is concerned) was an effective means to communicate this message?The statement would be aimed at Tim Donaghy (the exposed referee) and the others who may be implemented...the message intended to be sent is "If you give away names in the mob, we will not hesitate to kill you."

[Michael Redman]

Let's take a look at this:Eddie was an easy target to make a statement with because everyone knew about his problems. He wouldn't have to be involved with the betting, but he would be an easy target for a statement hit because no one would question it.

He is the worst person to chose for sending such a message, because it would never occur to anyone that this was a mob hit, as explained by the quote. And this is the evidence that it was a mob hit?

I don't know if this belongs in CT, but this is clearly CT thinking.

[Tricky]

I'd say that if the mob was involved, it was because Griffin owed them money. Considering his various addictions, that seems well within the realm of possibility. No need to add layers of complexity. But I still think suicide is more likely. Somebody had to drive through the barrier to get to the train track (http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/B/BKN_GRIFFIN_KILLED?SITE=TXHOU&SECTION=SPORTS&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT).

A police report says Griffin was driving an SUV, ignored a railroad warning and went through a barrier before striking a moving freight train. The resulting fire burned the SUV and the side of a railcar carrying plastic granules, police said.
It sounds as if he was observed driving onto the tracks.

[EGarrett]

Let's take a look at this:

He is the worst person to chose for sending such a message, because it would never occur to anyone that this was a mob hit, as explained by the quote. And this is the evidence that it was a mob hit?

I don't know if this belongs in CT, but this is clearly CT thinking.On the contrary, the people involved with the mob know this is a common method they use.

I'd say that if the mob was involved, it was because Griffin owed them money. Considering his various addictions, that seems well within the realm of possibility. No need to add layers of complexity. But I still think suicide is more likely. Somebody had to drive through the barrier to get to the train track.Definitely a possibility, but it does seem like a bizarre way to commit suicide.

[Michael Redman]

On the contrary, the people involved with the mob know this is a common method they use.What, driving a car into a moving train? Sure it is. . .

Anyway, this CT assumes that this hit was so subtle that law enforcement (not exactly ignorant of mob methods) would not suspect it, but an NBA ref would instantly recognize that it was a mob hit aimed at sending him a message.

Oh, and a bunch of yahoos on the internet can see it clear as day.

But not the FBI.

[EGarrett]

What, driving a car into a moving train? Sure it is. . . It's described in the OP.

Anyway, this CT assumes that this hit was so subtle that law enforcement (not exactly ignorant of mob methods) would not suspect it, but an NBA ref would instantly recognize that it was a mob hit aimed at sending him a message.It doesn't matter if law enforcement knows it or not, it's impossible to prosecute it. That's why people like Gotti could be known as "Teflon Dons." The cops knew exactly what they were doing and how they were killing people, but it was impossible to build a case because the methods they used made it impossible to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that they were involved.

Oh, and a bunch of yahoos on the internet can see it clear as day.There's no bunch of yahoos. Just a guy posting on ClutchFans and me bringing it up because I think it's a somewhat fresh topic to apply some skeptical thought to...

But not the FBI.It doesn't matter if the FBI knows or not. They can't do anything about it. See above.

[dudalb]

Someone has been watching too many Martin Scorsese Mob Films.

[WildCat]

Not the MO of a mob hit. Too complex for one. Far easier to lure him somewhere convenient and kill him, then make him disappear. If you're doing a hit in public it's to send a message - you don't disguise it.

[Michael Redman]

It's described in the OP.It's claimed in the OP, but it's a dubious claim, and completely unsupported.

It doesn't matter if the FBI knows or not. They can't do anything about it. See above.The car was driven into a moving train. This isn't a case where a victim was placed, unconscious, in a car in a crossing for a train to come along and hit. (Which I won't grant happens in real life without evidence.)

In order for this to have been murder, there would be plenty of physical evidence to examine (such as a radio control device attached to the car). The FBI would be all over it. Gotti never would have lasted had he used such ridiculously elaborate methods.

[Piscivore]

In order for this to have been murder, there would be plenty of physical evidence to examine (such as a radio control device attached to the car). The FBI would be all over it. Gotti never would have lasted had he used such ridiculously elaborate methods.

Car bombs (http://www.ire.org/history/arizona.html) work much better.

[The Atheist]

As you might know, there is ongoing scandal with an NBA ref who has been discovered to have been gambling on games and giving inside info to the mafia. The ref also announced that he was going to give authorities info on 20 other refs who were involved.

Well, in a seemingly unrelated story, former player Eddie Griffin, a player with a history of some drug abuse and violence, was found dead, having driven his car into a train.

That should read, "in a completely unrelated story..."

Seemingly unrelated...until now...

http://www.basketballforum.com/nba-forum/373119-eddie-griffin-killed-8.html#post4967356

Oh, excellent! Seemingly unrelated until the two incidents are related with no evidence whatsoever by somone who makes a series of unsupported and incorrect assertions! Novel tactic. It's improved immensely by having it posted here not just second or third, but fourth hand:

You copied from BasketballForum, it was originally posted at ClutchFans and refers to an alleged friend, who allegedly worked for the FBI. Also a possible psychic with this comment: "As soon as that NBA ref scandal happened I knew this would follow soon"

Given that there is no evidence whatsoever to support the strange hypothesis of murdering the bloke by making him drive into a train, I'm trying to figure what you're implying with the piece. Was the crime carried out by the same team which killed Princess Diana?

Even the forum where it was posted gave it short shrift:

So the mob killed an ex NBA nobody to send a message to Stern?

You are headed from rookie status to raving lunatic status in no time ....................

It sounds like your friend has a very vivid imagination and is really into conspiracy theories.

It's not controversial or interesting. It's just plain stupid, incredibly sad, and on another level, somewhat sick

b-ball scientist, why is your ex working for the feds? she should be writing suspense thrillers. =)

All from different posters.

The forum it was copied here from didn't even rate it worth a mention - the discussion carried on, completely ignoring the ravings.

Are you either BBall Scientist or giordan?

If not, he/she/they must be delighted that at least one person took the bait.

[Foolmewunz]

Thank you, TA!

The cited post has every earmark of the typical email hoaxes that they warn you about on every anti-spam/anti-hoax/anti-chainmail site.

A friend of a friend in an official position?
Connect the dots and then leap upwards to Stern?

I like the disingenuity of the "go ahead and delete it if this offends some"... that's almost a guarantee to get it saved. Someone made this crap up out of their imagination! At least they could've tied it to Len Bias or someone who would have some impact in the NBA.

Oh, and by the way, the mob doesn't go for soft meaningless targets and subtle threats. They go for semi-prominent or prominent targets and make sure the message is received by all.

If someone sent me this email at work, I'd rip them apart. What's next, Bonzai Kittens?

[EGarrett]

It's claimed in the OP, but it's a dubious claim, and completely unsupported.

The car was driven into a moving train. This isn't a case where a victim was placed, unconscious, in a car in a crossing for a train to come along and hit. (Which I won't grant happens in real life without evidence.)According to the claims of the original poster, the FBI might find evidence that his car was tampered with.

In order for this to have been murder, there would be plenty of physical evidence to examine (such as a radio control device attached to the car). The FBI would be all over it. Gotti never would have lasted had he used such ridiculously elaborate methods.Elaborate, yes. But why would it be ridiculously elaborate? All you need to do is attach something to the brakes. It's not like holographic planes are being flown into buildings.

(and I just realized I should point out that the last line is a joke. I start lots of threads just for discussion, it doesn't mean I really believe that the mob killed Griffin.)

[prewitt81]

Keep this thread on topic, and stop the personal bickering.

[Beerina]

She said, "It has all the exact signs. Easy target, no one will ask questions, related to an issue that threatens the mob, sends a message to people that might have damaging info on them. The no ID on him or the car. The way the car ignored the lights and warnings. How he will I am sure be found to have drugs and alcohol in his system. This is classic-style mafia work.

He had the history of drug and alcohol abuse and depression, so no one questions the extreme bizarre happenings, he even had the previous history with road incidents so it all fits nicely on a death report. Most likely it will turn out that his car was wired up for this and the locks would not open, the windows locked down and the car suddenly accelerated when he approached where the train was.

I.e. The drug abuse, drinking, and emotional problems that might very well lead to his death are a perfect cover for a hit! It's evidence for it in a way that, a sober, well-adjusted person being hit never could be!

:rolleyes:

I love the last sentence, too. "Most likely it will turn up the car was wired up for this", with a list of things that would make Q from James Bond proud.

I suspect when this stuff is not found, that will be evidence of the conspiracy -- they got to the car and did away with the gadgetry!