History Black - Day 25: Michael Ray Richardson

Written by wendell maxey | 26 February 2010

I saw him once when I was covering the Knicks back in New York about three years ago.

I can’t remember who the Knicks were playing that night at Madison Square Garden, but the sight of Michael Ray Richardson being recognized by the fans as he waved from his nearby courtside seat quickly replaced the other image I had of the man from back in 1986.

That’s when Richardson played across the Hudson River for the New Jersey Nets.

Soon, Richardson received a lifetime ban from the NBA for violating the league's drug policy and was the first player banned for life for drug abuse.

Thursday marked that infamous anniversary.

Sadly enough, it wouldn't be the last time Richardson had his name attached to substance abuse trouble.

In 1988, the NBA restored his right to play in the league, but then in 1991 he failed two cocaine tests. He was done.

After his eight seasons in the NBA, Richardson played in the CBA, USBL and overseas only to find controversy again when he returned to coach the Albany Patroons of the CBA. His anti-Semitic remarks during an interview got him suspended, and soon after he took the head coaching position with the Oklahoma City Cavalry of the CBA.

Yet throughout the drama, what gets lost is Richardson’s alarming talent that made him the fourth overall pick by the Knicks in 1978. Dubbed the next Walt "Clyde" Frazier in New York, Richardson

There were glimpses of greatness: Michael Ray was the first player in NBA history to lead the league in both assists (10.1) and steals (3.2), which came in his second year. He was also a four-time NBA All-Star.

Then the suspensions hit. And he was gone.

But Michael Ray Richardson isn’t forgotten.

The History Black Series - Honoring Black History Month:

February 1: Muhammed Ali

February 2: Gary Payton

February 3: Bo Jackson

February 4: Dr. J

February 5: The Junkyard Dog

February 6: John Starks

February 7: Barry Sanders

February 8: Spud Webb

February 9: Craig Hodges