Mookie Blaylock is continuing to improve in a Georgia hospital after reportedly causing a head-on car crash that left a woman dead, and police say that the former NBA player could soon face charges.
On Saturday Blaylock’s status was upgraded from “critical” to “serious,” said Atlanta Medical Center spokeswoman Nicole Gustin. The former Atlanta Hawks player and NBA All-Star was initially placed on life support and was in critical condition when he came to the hospital after the collision on Friday.
Two other people were injured when the Cadillac Escalade that Blaylock was driving crossed over the media and into a southbound lane at 1 pm, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.
Mookie Blaylock’s crash could soon lead to criminal charges. Jonesboro police chief Franklin Allen told USA Today Sports that police will have a discussion next week on what charges could arise. Blaylock is already set to face charges for driving on a suspended license and failure to maintain control of his vehicle.
Mookie Blaylock had an outstanding warrant for failure to appear on a DUI and drug charge.
Police said there were no indications of alcohol or speed in the crash caused. Mookie Blaylock has previously been under a doctor’s care for seizures, police noted.
Mookie Blaylock averaged 13.5 points, 6.7 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.3 steals per game over his 12-year NBA career. He spent time with the New Jersey Nets, Atlanta Hawks, and Golden State Warriors, twice leading the league in steals per game. He also was selected to the All-Defensive first or second team six straight seasons between 1994 and 1999.
In his recovery, Mookie Blaylock also got some words of encouragement from members of Pearl Jam, a band which was originally named “Mookie Blaylock.”
“Sending good thoughts to Mookie,” the band wrote on its Instagram account.
The Atlanta Hawks also expressed condolences in a statement released to the Atlanta Journal-Constituion on Friday night:
“We are saddened to hear of the accident today involving Mookie Blaylock and the Murphy family and the ensuing passing of Monica Murphy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of all involved.”
