R.I.P. Len Bias

Twenty years ago, the sports world lost one of its brightest lights far too early. On June 19, 1986, Len Bias, the University of Maryland basketball standout, passed away from a cocaine overdose.

Before Lebron James, Tim Duncan, or Shaquille O’Neal were projected as can’t-miss draft picks, Len Bias was considered the league’s next superstar. Considered by many to be the best player in ACC history, Bias’ unparalleled athleticism, body type, and versatility prefigured the modern point-forward that dominates today’s game. In addition to his physical gifts, Bias’ basketball IQ and on-court maturity convinced scouts that he had all of the requisite skills to excel on the pro level. Drafted by the Boston Celtics with #2 overall pick, Bias was considered the natural successor to Larry Bird.

Unfortunately, he never got to play his first game.

Less than two nights after being drafted by the NBA’s most storied franchise, the All-American celebrated his newfound success by with friends and teammates. Like many college athletes during that era, Bias’ partying practices frequently included cocaine. Soon after the party started, Bias’ friends were calling for an ambulance to rescue the fallen star, who had overdosed on the narcotic.

Bias’ death signaled more than a competitive blow to the Celtics, who have never fully recovered from his death. As his mother, who would lose her other son four years later to a parking lot shooting in Maryland’s Prince George’s Plaza, accurately notes, Bias’ death helped to intensify the nation’s war on drugs. More specifically, the Bias tragedy exposed the dangers of cocaine, which had previously been underestimated as a relatively harmless party drug among the privileged.

While we regret his early exit, his death was not in vain.

May He Rest In Peace