Beginning Life With Sonics A Welcome Change For Mustaf

Jerrod Mustaf, signed this week by the Seattle SuperSonics, said Wednesday he’s anxious to get on with his basketball career although he’s still under investigation in his ex-girlfriend’s murder.

Two teams in the past week have signed Mustaf, who hasn’t played in the NBA since he was released by the Phoenix Suns in 1994 amid controversy over the killing.

The Sonics signed Mustaf to a conditional contract Monday. The Charlotte Hornets had signed him Sept. 24, but released him Friday after the hiring generated negative publicity.

At a Sonics’ training camp session in Seattle, coach George Karl said, “We will evaluate his basketball first and if it comes to the situation that it’s possible he’s making the team, then I think we have to ask some questions and do some research.”

In a trial that led to a first-degree murder conviction of Mustaf’s cousin LeVonnie Wooten this year, prosecutors alleged that Mustaf arranged the slaying of 27-year-old Althea Hayes of Glendale, Ariz. She was pregnant with Mustaf’s son at the time and refused his request that she have an abortion.

Seattle signed free-agent forward Derrick Alston. The 6-foot-11 Alston played last season with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Mitch Richmond has told the Sacramento Kings he is unhappy with his current contract, and the Kings said they’re unsure whether Richmond will report when training camp opens Friday.

New Jersey Nets guard Kendall Gill was hospitalized because of severe cramping and dehydration. Gill had finished his second practice at St. Leo (Fla.) College and returned to the locker room where he complained of cramping to trainer Ted Arzonico.