NEWYou can now listen to PK Press Club articles!
Michael Ray Richardson, four-time NBA All-Star, died Tuesday at the age of 70.
Richardson spent time with the New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors and New Jersey Nets before bouncing overseas after being suspended for life from the NBA.
“We are saddened to learn 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 rolls over 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)
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PK Press Club
Richardson was a defensive stalwart, making the All-Defensive First Team twice in 1980 and 1981. He also led the association three times in steals and was the leader in assists in 1980. He was named NBA Comeback Player of the Year in 1985 after missing nearly half of the previous season while in rehab, then rebounded to an average of 20.1 points 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 was traded months later to the Nets, where he regained 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)
RAPTORS STAR FINED $25,000 FOR HITTING STAFF WITH WATER BOTTLE AFTER DIVING THEM TO THE GROUND
However, in February 1986, he was banned for life from the NBA for violating the association’s drug policy three times, forcing him to play overseas until the end of his career in 2002, 24 years after his NBA debut. Richardson was allowed to return to the NBA in 1988, but chose to stay overseas and never played in the league again. Richardson called out the NBA, claiming there were racist double standards for his lifetime ban and claiming the association never disciplined Chris Mullin for an alleged alcohol problem.
Years after his playing days, he allegedly 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 gays.
Richardson coached two teams in the then-Continental Basketball League before becoming a coach in the National Basketball League of Canada.
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)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PK Press Club APP
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.
