Len Bias is a name that would have rocked the NBA world. In NBA history, many incidents of players have rocked the world. Not many of this generation know who Len Bias is. Len Bias would have been the greatest basketball player in the NBA, but things went differently. Len Bias was born in Landover, Maryland. He was a 6 ft 8 in Small Forward player who played for the Maryland Terrapins college basketball team. Also, you can read the 50 NBA scandals here.
Len Bias had an incredible career and many were stunned by his performances. He was named the Consensus first-team All-American and Consensus second-team All-American during his college days. Len Bias won the ACC player of the Year twice and he was the ACC Athlete of the Year in 1986. Everything was going well, but Len Bias didn’t see the light as he died in 1986 even before making his debut in the NBA.
What happened to Len Bias?
Len Bias was picked as the 2nd draft in the 1986 NBA draft. After being signed by the Boston Celtics, he traveled to Boston with his father to complete the agreement which was valued at $1 million per year. In the same meeting, Len Bias signed brand deals with Reebok. His endorsements were valued at $1.6 million for 5 years.
On June 19, 1986, Len Bias visited the University of Maryland campus at 1 am and he moved to an off-campus meet with his friends including Brian Tribble. The gang met in a dormitory and snorted cocaine. At 5.30 am, Len Bias collapsed and was unconscious. Len Bias struggled to breathe and his friend called 911. He was taken to the Memorial Hospital in Riverdale, Maryland, and died at 8:55 am. The attempts by the medical team failed and Bias died of cardiac arrhythmia. Cocaine was the main reason for Len Bias’ death.
When Len Bias died, news channels reported about the Crack Cocaine. Sources also confirmed Bias snorted powdered cocaine. Len Bias was the talk of the town and politicians started a debate over cocaine. A memorial service was conducted at the Cole Field House and 11,000 people attended it. The Bostic Celtics team also gave the unused #30 jersey to his mother.
Len Bias was a star even before his NBA debut. Usage of cocaine ruined the career of a young prodigy who would have been an all-time NBA legend. There were criminal charges against Len Bias’ friends for distributing Cocaine. Len Bias’ brother Jay Bias was murdered in December 1990.
