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Four-time NBA All-Star Michael Ray Richardson died Tuesday at the age of 70.
Richardson spent time with the New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors and New Jersey Nets before heading overseas after receiving a lifetime ban from the NBA.
“We are saddened to hear of the passing of former Knick Michael Ray Richardson. One of the fiercest defensive players of his era, the four-time NBA All-Star had an incredible impact on the Knicks during his four seasons with the franchise. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and teammates,” the Knicks said in a statement.
Michael Ray Richardson of the New York Knicks drives past Don Collins of the Washington Bullets during an NBA basketball game circa 1981 at the Capital Center in Landover, Maryland. (Focus on sport/Getty Images)
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Richardson was a defensive stalwart, twice making the All-Defensive First Team in 1980 and 1981. He also led the association in steals three times and was the assists leader in 1980. He was named the NBA’s Comeback Player of the Year in 1985 after missing nearly half of the previous season while in drug rehabilitation, then recovered to average 20.1 points while starting all 82 games.
Despite being an All-Star in three of his first four seasons, Richardson was traded to the Warriors as part of a package for Bernard King, but months later he was traded to the Nets, where he found his form.
Michael Ray Richardson of the New York Knicks shoots over Kevin Porter of the Washington Bullets during an NBA basketball game circa 1980 at the Capital Center in Landover, Maryland. (Focus on sport/Getty Images)
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However, in February 1986, he was banned for life from the NBA for violating the association’s drug policy on three occasions, forcing him to play overseas until his career ended in 2002, 24 years after his NBA debut. Richardson was allowed to return to the NBA in 1988, but opted to stay overseas and never played in the league again. Richardson criticized the NBA, saying there was a racist double standard for his lifetime ban and claiming the association never sanctioned Chris Mullin for an alleged alcohol problem.
Years after his playing days, he was reported to have made homophobic and anti-Semitic comments. Former NBA commissioner David Stern, who was Jewish, said he had “no doubt” that Richardson was not anti-Semitic, but did not defend his comments about homosexuals.
Richardson coached two teams in the then-Continental Basketball League before moving on to coach in Canada’s National Basketball League.
Michael Ray Richardson of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball against the New Jersey Nets during an NBA basketball game circa 1979 at Madison Square Garden. (Focus on sport/Getty Images)
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He averaged 14.8 points and 7 assists per game in the regular season, but those numbers increased to 15.7 and 7.2, respectively, in the playoffs.
