Griffin to enter Betty Ford Clinic

According to a report on the The New York Times website, Griffin’s lawyer, Rusty Hardin, stated that Griffin needs help with a drinking problem and is scheduled for a flight to the Southern California center next week.

Griffin, who signed with the Nets on January 8 after getting released by the Houston Rockets, has been beset by various legal and emotional problems.

The former Seton Hall product, who was arrested last April and convicted on January 20 for misdemeanor marijuana possession, is scheduled for sentencing on February 13. He also was undergoing treatment for depression prior to signing with New Jersey.

The 6-foot-10 Griffin was selected by the Nets with the seventh pick of the 2001 NBA Draft and then dealt to the Rockets for the draft rights to forward Richard Jefferson, center Jason Collins and guard Brandon Armstrong.

Griffin also played one season at Seton Hall University, and attended Roman Catholic High School in Philadelphia where trouble in his senior year disallowed him from graduating with his class.

Griffin has not played this season and was suspended indefinitely without pay by the Rockets on October 16 for missing practices and a team flight to Sacramento for a preseason game.

He is scheduled for another court appearance in February for a felony charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for an alleged incident with a woman.

In 150 NBA games, Griffin has averaged 8.7 points and 5.8 rebounds per contest.