UPDATE: Legendary NBA star Micheal Ray Richardson has died at the age of 70 after a brief battle with prostate cancer. The news broke Tuesday in Lawton, Oklahoma, confirmed by his attorney and close friend John Zelbst.
This devastating loss is felt deeply within the basketball community, as Richardson was not just a celebrated athlete but a symbol of resilience. “The basketball world and anyone Micheal came in contact with lost a great sportsman,” Zelbst stated. “He lived life to the fullest. He overcame the most incredible odds.”
Richardson, affectionately known as “Sugar,” was a four-time NBA All-Star who shined at the University of Montana before being drafted fourth overall by the New York Knicks in the 1978 NBA draft. Throughout his eight-year career, he earned a reputation as one of the league’s most versatile players, leading the NBA in steals three times and averaging a career-high 20.1 points per game during the 1984-85 season with the New Jersey Nets.
However, Richardson’s incredible talent was overshadowed by personal struggles. He was banned from the league in 1986 for repeated drug violations, stemming from cocaine use. Following his ban, he played in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) and had successful stints in Europe, primarily in Italy and France, before retiring in 2002.
In a poignant reflection on his life, Richardson once described the moment he learned of his NBA ban as his “darkest day.” He later turned his life around, coaching teams in the CBA and NBL Canada while also giving back through basketball camps for underserved communities.
Richardson was a familiar face at Oklahoma City Thunder games after settling in Oklahoma with his wife, Kimberly. His legacy extends to his family; his son, Michael Amir Junior Richardson, is currently a professional soccer player in Italy for Fiorentina and represents Morocco internationally.
In April 2024, Richardson celebrated his 70th birthday in a surprise party, expressing gratitude for his journey. “I’m still here after all the s— I’ve gone through,” he remarked, highlighting the importance of friendship and resilience.
As tributes pour in from across the sports world, including heartfelt acknowledgments from fellow players like Isiah Thomas, who praised Richardson’s all-around game, it’s clear that his impact will not be forgotten. “He had it all as a player, with no weaknesses in his game,” Thomas shared.
Richardson co-authored a memoir titled Banned: How I squandered an All-Star NBA Career Before Finding Redemption, detailing his life journey and struggles, which was released earlier this year.
As the basketball community mourns, fans and players alike will remember Micheal Ray Richardson not just for his on-court excellence but for his inspiring story of redemption and perseverance.
