Legendary NBA Guard Michael Ray Richardson Passes Away at 70 After Battle with Prostate Cancer
Former NBA All-Star guard Michael Ray Richardson, whose illustrious basketball career was marred by a high-profile ban for cocaine use in the 1980s, died on Tuesday at the age of 70. Richardson had been battling prostate cancer before his passing.
Richardson's impressive resume boasts three-time All-Big Sky Conference player at Montana and being drafted fourth overall in the 1978 NBA Draft, narrowly behind Larry Bird. During his eight-year stint with the New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, and New Jersey Nets, he earned four All-Star selections and led the league in steals three times.
In a shocking turn of events, Richardson was banned from the NBA in 1986 for violating the league's drug policy. However, it appears that his personal demons had taken a backseat to his passion for basketball as he went on to have a successful coaching career in the Continental Basketball Association and NBL Canada, winning five championships.
"His life of redemption and winning is truly an incredible story," said John Zelbst, Richardson's attorney and close friend. "Redemption and winning - it's remarkable."
During his playing days, Richardson showcased exceptional skills, averaging 15.3 points per game for the Knicks in the 1979-80 season and leading the league in assists and steals. He was also instrumental in a stunning playoff upset of the Philadelphia 76ers in 1984.
Richardson's most memorable season came in 1984-85 with the New Jersey Nets, where he was named the NBA's comeback player of the year after averaging 20.1 points and 8.2 assists per contest. His impressive performance marked a turning point in his career, as he never returned to substance abuse.
Tragically, Richardson's battle with prostate cancer took its toll, ultimately leading to his passing at his Lawton, Oklahoma home surrounded by his wife Kimberly. The news of his death was first reported by Andscape, and Zelbst confirmed the details to the Associated Press.
Richardson's legacy extends beyond his impressive on-court achievements. As a coach, he led teams like the Oklahoma/Lawton-Fort Sill Cavalry and London Lightning to championships in the Continental Basketball Association and NBL Canada. Off the court, Richardson was known for mentoring young Black men in Lawton, Oklahoma.
Zelbst, who had a deep affection for Richardson, described him as "one of the best people I've ever known." Anybody who met Richardson, Zelbst said, would be left in awe by his charisma and infectious personality. His passing leaves a void that will be deeply felt, but his incredible life story serves as a testament to redemption and perseverance.
Former NBA All-Star guard Michael Ray Richardson, whose illustrious basketball career was marred by a high-profile ban for cocaine use in the 1980s, died on Tuesday at the age of 70. Richardson had been battling prostate cancer before his passing.
Richardson's impressive resume boasts three-time All-Big Sky Conference player at Montana and being drafted fourth overall in the 1978 NBA Draft, narrowly behind Larry Bird. During his eight-year stint with the New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, and New Jersey Nets, he earned four All-Star selections and led the league in steals three times.
In a shocking turn of events, Richardson was banned from the NBA in 1986 for violating the league's drug policy. However, it appears that his personal demons had taken a backseat to his passion for basketball as he went on to have a successful coaching career in the Continental Basketball Association and NBL Canada, winning five championships.
"His life of redemption and winning is truly an incredible story," said John Zelbst, Richardson's attorney and close friend. "Redemption and winning - it's remarkable."
During his playing days, Richardson showcased exceptional skills, averaging 15.3 points per game for the Knicks in the 1979-80 season and leading the league in assists and steals. He was also instrumental in a stunning playoff upset of the Philadelphia 76ers in 1984.
Richardson's most memorable season came in 1984-85 with the New Jersey Nets, where he was named the NBA's comeback player of the year after averaging 20.1 points and 8.2 assists per contest. His impressive performance marked a turning point in his career, as he never returned to substance abuse.
Tragically, Richardson's battle with prostate cancer took its toll, ultimately leading to his passing at his Lawton, Oklahoma home surrounded by his wife Kimberly. The news of his death was first reported by Andscape, and Zelbst confirmed the details to the Associated Press.
Richardson's legacy extends beyond his impressive on-court achievements. As a coach, he led teams like the Oklahoma/Lawton-Fort Sill Cavalry and London Lightning to championships in the Continental Basketball Association and NBL Canada. Off the court, Richardson was known for mentoring young Black men in Lawton, Oklahoma.
Zelbst, who had a deep affection for Richardson, described him as "one of the best people I've ever known." Anybody who met Richardson, Zelbst said, would be left in awe by his charisma and infectious personality. His passing leaves a void that will be deeply felt, but his incredible life story serves as a testament to redemption and perseverance.
Richardson had some major ups and downs but I gotta respect the comeback story 
. He was more than just a basketball player, he built a brand and inspired a community off court 
. Can't help but think about all the young players who looked up to him and still do 
. R.I.P Richardson, may your legacy keep on winning 
he was 70 
sadly prostate cancer got the best of him 
still had so much life to give after all those amazing years on the court 
Michael Ray Richardson's passing at 70 is sad news for basketball fans everywhere 
. It's crazy to think he went from being banned from the NBA due to substance abuse in the 80s to having an amazing coaching career, winning championships and even getting recognized as one of the best comeback players in a season 
. His legacy extends beyond just his playing days too - mentoring young Black men in Lawton, Oklahoma is something truly admirable 
. It's heartbreaking that prostate cancer took its toll on him, but it's inspiring to see how he fought back and turned his life around 
, from getting banned for coke use in the 80s to becoming a 4x all star and leading the league in steals multiple times! 
and can you believe he went on to win 5 championships as a coach after that dark time in his life? 
. he was more than just an amazing basketball player, he was also a mentor and a father figure to so many young people off the court 
. rest in peace michael ray, you will be missed but your legacy lives on 
he was an amazing player and coach i loved how he turned his life around after that coke ban back in the day 
he was truly an amazing basketball player & coach, I mean 15.3 points per game is insane 
and led the league in steals three times! 
but what I love most about him is how he turned his life around after a high-profile ban for cocaine use in the 80s... it's truly inspiring to see someone overcome personal demons & achieve so much success on the court & off 
he was more than just an athlete, he was a coach, mentor & role model to many 
and it's beautiful to see how he turned his life around and mentored young people off the court too
he may be gone but his legacy lives on and we can all learn from his story of redemption and perseverance 
rest in peace, michael ray 
? It's always like " Legendary Player" this and that... can't we just have some basic info on their stats and awards? I mean, I'm trying to find out more about Mike Ray Richardson and all I get is some fancy intro 
every time an old player dies, it's like they're trying to make them sound like a superhero or something 
Michael Ray Richardson's legacy is way more than just his time on the court 
From being banned from the NBA to winning championships as a coach, it's a true underdog tale 
I'm gonna miss seeing him on the court, but his impact will live on forever 
his legacy goes beyond just basketball too, especially with all the work he did off court mentoring young guys 
But what really gets me is that we're just now hearing about his struggles with substance abuse. Was it really a high-profile ban in the 80s or was that just a PR stunt to cover up some deeper issues? 
I need sources on this before I start giving him props for "redemption". 
average 15.3 points per game 4 Knicks in 80s was insane! 
stats on his NBA career: 
. And let's not forget, he went on to coach teams to championships in CBA & NBL Canada, winning 5 titles