Former State player, once almost deported, charged with burglary

Gavin Grant, who played basketball for N.C. State from 2004-2007, has been charged with first degree burglary, assault with a deadly weapon, attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon, and conspiracy to commit armed robbery.

Unfortunately Grant, who came to the country illegally with his mother from Jamaica as a boy, has not been located. Anyone with information concerning his whereabouts or other information that may assist the investigation of the case is asked to call Raleigh CrimeStoppers at (919) 834-HELP.

Grant is an African-American man who stands approximately 6-feet-8 inches tall and weighs approximately 220 pounds.

Grant was also charged in 2009 with credit card fraud. He had been playing in the NBA's developmental league.

The attempted robbery and assault occurred Sept. 24 at Crossroads Arbor Way apartments in Raleigh.

Back in 2005 when Grant faced deportation, N.C. State's then basketball coach Herb Sendek came to his defense. "Those of us who know Gavin, recognize that he's a wonderful young man," Sendek said. "He's a true gentleman whose working hard to pursue his degree at N.C. State."

In 2007 Immigration Judge Judge Wayne K. Houser apparently made a mistake by closing immigration proceedings against Grant and allowing him to remain in the country. Presumably his mother also remains in the country.

Grant's lawyer at the time, Anna Baird Choi, said Grant could apply for permanent-resident status but it's not known if he ever did. It's unclear whether Grant would be deported after serving any time if found guilty.

This is an example of basketball stars growing up feeling privileged (and not really making it big) and an example of people who come to the U.S. illegally not having regard for our rule of law. It took 13 years for the government to realize he was in the country illegally. He even lived with a friend of the family so he could play for St. Raymond's in the Bronx.

Grant was married while he was at N.C. State and had a young daughter. It's unclear at this point if they are still in his life.

Below is one of Grant's biggest moments as a member of the Wolfpack.