TULSA, Okla. – Marvin Webster, the 7-foot-1-inch shot-blocking center known as the Human Eraser who took the Seattle SuperSonics to the 1978 NBA finals, then spent six seasons with the New York Knicks, was found dead in a hotel bathtub in Tulsa, Okl
TULSA, Okla. – Marvin Webster, the 7-foot-1-inch shot-blocking center known as the Human Eraser who took the Seattle SuperSonics to the 1978 NBA finals, then spent six seasons with the New York Knicks, was found dead in a hotel bathtub in Tulsa, Okla. He was 56.
His body was discovered in his room early on April 6 in the downtown Ambassador Hotel, police said.
Foul play is not suspected, and the death apparently stemmed from an illness, police spokesman Jason Willingham said. He added that the former 7-foot-1 center had been living at the hotel and employees grew concerned after not seeing him for several days.
The medical examiner office said the cause of death has not been determined. W. Charles Bennett, Webster’s former agent and current financial adviser, said Webster’s death was related to coronary artery disease.
Webster gained his nickname when he averaged eight blocked shots a game while taking Morgan State University of Baltimore, his hometown, to the 1974 NCAA Division II championship as a junior. He averaged 21 points and 22.4 rebounds a game, and was named Division II player of the year.
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