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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 bouncing around overseas after receiving a lifetime suspension from the NBA.
“We are saddened to learn of the passing of former Knick Michael Ray Richardson. One of the most ferocious defenders of his era, the four-time NBA All-Star made 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 rides Don Collins of the Washington Bullets during an NBA basketball game circa 1981 at the Capital Center in Landover, Maryland. (Focus on Sports/Getty Images)
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Richardson was a defensive stalwart, twice on 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 Comeback Player of the Year in 1985 after missing nearly half of the previous season while averaging 1 point while starting 1 point back in 2 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 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 Sports/Getty Images)
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But in February 1986, he was banned for life from the NBA for violating the league’s drug policy three times, 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 chose to stay overseas and never played in the league again. Richardson called out the NBA saying there was a racist double standard for his lifetime ban and claimed the league never disciplined Chris Mullin for an alleged drinking 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 reported comments about homosexuals.
Richardson coached two teams in the then Continental Basketball League before moving to 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 Sports/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.
