EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) Troubled forward Eddie Griffin was waived by the New Jersey Nets on Friday, less than two months after signing with the team in hopes of resurrecting his career.

Griffin, the seventh overall pick in the 2001 draft, didn't appear in any games for the Nets after signing on Jan. 8.

The 21-year-old, who went to nearby Seton Hall, left the team in late January so he could check into the Betty Ford Center to get six weeks of treatment for alcohol abuse. He has since entered a residential alcohol treatment program overseen by former NBA player and coach John Lucas.

``At this time I don't think Eddie is ready to play in the NBA,'' Nets chief executive Rod Thorn said. ``He is a very nice young man and he worked hard when he was here. He has talent. If he gets his personal life together, he certainly could have an NBA career. We wish him well.''

A secretary for Griffin's lawyer, Rusty Hardin, said that Hardin was out of the country and unavailable for comment.

Griffin, who was cut by Houston earlier this season after problems both on and off the court, signed a contract with the Nets that would have paid him roughly $375,000 for the rest of the season. Under an agreement, he will walk away with $125,000.

Griffin was convicted of marijuana possession Jan. 20, and is under indictment for felony assault for allegedly firing a gun at his girlfriend last October.

Griffin was jailed earlier this month for allegedly violating a curfew set as a condition of his bond in the aggravated assault charge.

Griffin averaged 8.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.63 blocks in 150 career games with the Rockets.