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One of the most memorable NBA point guards of the '90s is now fighting for his life. As reported by Alexis Steves of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, retired 13-year veteran Mookie Blaylock is on life support following a car accident in Georgia on Friday afternoon:
Former NBA star and Hawks player Mookie Blaylock was one of two people critically injured Friday afternoon in a head-on collision in Clayton County, according to police.
Blaylock, 46, was driving a Cadillac Escalade northbound on Tara Boulevard when for unknown reasons, he crossed over the median and into a southbound lane, Jonesboro police Chief Franklin Allen told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Blaylock’s vehicle struck another vehicle head-on, injuring two people, whose names were not released, and himself, Franklin said.
All three were transported to Atlanta Medical Center, where Blaylock was flown and was on life support and unresponsive, Franklin said. A female passenger in the second vehicle was bleeding internally, he said.
At this time, nothing else is known of either the reasons for the accident or the condition of Blaylock and the two unnamed victims. We will update as more details and developments emerge.Blaylock, 46, was driving a Cadillac Escalade northbound on Tara Boulevard when for unknown reasons, he crossed over the median and into a southbound lane, Jonesboro police Chief Franklin Allen told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Blaylock’s vehicle struck another vehicle head-on, injuring two people, whose names were not released, and himself, Franklin said.
All three were transported to Atlanta Medical Center, where Blaylock was flown and was on life support and unresponsive, Franklin said. A female passenger in the second vehicle was bleeding internally, he said.
UPDATE: Blaylock has been taken off life support. Sadly, WXIA reports that 41-year-old Monica Murphy of Gwinnett County, a passenger in the van that collided with Blaylock's vehicle, has died.
Blaylock played 13 seasons for the New Jersey Nets, Atlanta Hawks, and Golden State Warriors, earning recognition for both his colorful name and tenacious defense at the point guard position. He saw his greatest success with the Hawks from 1992 to 1999, earning an All-Star selection in 1994 and making the All-Defensive list six times (including two First Teams). He led the NBA in steals per game in consecutive seasons from 1996-97 and 1997-98 and is still one of only five players in NBA history to accomplish the feat.
His name also entered the broader culture as inspiration to the band Pearl Jam. Before changing their name for legal reasons, the group went by "Mookie Blaylock" and even named their hit 1991 album "Ten" in honor of his jersey number.
We wish Blaylock, the two unnamed victims, and all their loved ones the very best.