The Dark Side of NBA History: Michael Ray Richardson's Memoir Unveils Cocaine Culture
In a revealing new memoir entitled "Banned," former NBA player Micheal "Sugar" Ray Richardson sheds light on the rampant drug use that plagued the league during the 1980s. Richardson, the first player banned for life due to drug use, has reignited discussions about an era where it is estimated that 40% to 75% of players were involved with cocaine, according to reports from The Washington Post at the time.
Richardson's memoir recounts how drugs became a common aspect of NBA culture, as illustrated by Michael Jordan’s anecdote from the Netflix documentary "The Last Dance." Jordan recounted entering a hotel room filled with teammates engaging in drug use, prompting him to quickly exit for fear of being implicated.
Richardson was regarded as a talented point guard, having made four All-Star appearances, but his career was cut short in the 1985-86 season after failing a third drug test. NBA Commissioner David Stern responded by implementing strict drug policies, marking the end of an era defined more by its off-court excesses than by athletic competition. The introduction of random drug testing and rehabilitation programs aimed to curb substance abuse and restore the league's image.
Other players, like Marvis Barnes and Len Bias, faced similar struggles, further highlighting the dark realities that once overshadowed the NBA. Bias's tragic death from a cocaine-related incident shortly after being drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1986 continues to serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of substance abuse in sports.
While marijuana remains a substance of concern in the NBA, recent agreements between players' associations and league officials indicate a shift in attitudes towards drug use. Following years of controversy, the NBA no longer tests players for recreational cannabis.
As Richardson’s story comes to light, it serves as a crucial reminder of the challenges athletes face, both on and off the court, during a turbulent time in sports history.
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