The 55-year-old center Jerrod Mustaf, who played in the ACB League for FC Barcelona and Festina Andorra, passed away.
After a stellar collegiate career at Maryland, the Whiteville, North Carolina native was taken 17th overall in the 1990 Draft, but despite his immense potential, he only played four seasons in the NBA.
With great sadness we learned of the passing of Jerrod Mustaf today. Forever a Terp, a teammate, and a friend. pic.twitter.com/MgIqac6yTc
— Maryland Men’s Basketball (@TerrapinHoops) October 28, 2024
He averaged 4 points and 2.5 rebounds in 179 games over his four NBA seasons, which were split between the Phoenix Suns (1991–1994) and the New York Knicks (1990–1991).
It was ‘unfairly’ claimed that Jerrod Mustaf was responsible for the killing of a young woman who may have been pregnant. When Mustaf was under investigation for the murder of young Althea Hayes, who was expecting a child she thought was his and whom he may have coerced into having an abortion, his NBA career came to an abrupt end.
His cousin, Lavonnie Woten, was found guilty and given a life sentence, whereas Mustaf was never formally prosecuted in the case. K.C. Scull, the prosecutor, bemoaned the failure to prosecute Jerrod Mustaf for allegedly planning Althea Hayes’ murder. He told Sports Illustrated, “Not letting myself try this case is one of my biggest regrets.”
