Copyright Men's Journal
The NBA is mourning the loss of Michael Ray Richardson, who died following a battle with prostate cancer. He was 70. As first reported by ESPN’s culture website, Andscape, Richardson died on Tuesday in Oklahoma. Richardson’s friend and attorney, John Zelbst, recalled to Andscape that the former New York Knicks star was “a great sportsman.” “He lived life to the fullest. He overcame the most incredible odds to accomplish what he did in life,” Zelbst added. “He serves as an example on how to redeem yourself and make something of yourself. I think he is the greatest NBA player that has never been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Incredible player — player, person and family man.” Richardson, a constant presence at Oklahoma City Thunder games, starred at the University of Montana before the New York Knicks drafted him with the fourth-overall pick in the 1978 NBA Draft. Richardson, dubbed “Sugar,” played in the NBA for eight seasons, most notably his first four seasons with the Knicks. He also went on to play for the Golden State Warriors and the then-New Jersey Nets. Richardson’s career numbers are solid: 14.2 points, 7.1 assists, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.6 steals per game. He earned two All-Star selections and twice earned First Team All-Defense honors. Richardson had his best season in the 1985-86 season, when he earned NBA Comeback Player of the Year honors after posting 20.1 points, 8.2 assists, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.0 steals per game for the Nets. Career Marred by Drug Policy Violations Richardson also has the dubious distinction of being the first player in NBA history to earn a lifetime ban for violating the league’s drug policy. He earned the ban in 1986 after a third violation amid substance abuse problems from cocaine use. The Denver native would later take his talents to the CBA before playing pro in Italy and France. He officially retired from pro basketball in 2002 after a stint with AC Golfe-Juan-Vallauris in France.
