Four NBA All-Star selections Michael Ray Richardson , who was suspended from the league for drug use, passed away on Tuesday in Lawton, Oklahoma, at the age of 70, just after receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis, according to his friend and lawyer John Zelbst, who spoke with Andscape. He once played for the New York Knicks . Shortly after his passing, the team issued a statement on Monday.
He was an NBA legend . Although his net worth is unknown, sources claim that substance addiction problems affected his career and resulted in a protracted NBA ban. Before turning to coaching, he was a player with the New Jersey Nets, Golden State Warriors, and New York Knicks.
Knicks legend Michael Ray Richardson’s legacy remembered after brave battle with prostate cancer
According to Andscape, former Knicks star Michael Ray Richardson, the first NBA player to ever get a life sentence for drug offences, passed away in Oklahoma on Tuesday at the age of 70 after fighting prostate cancer.
Attorney and friend John Zelbst said told the outlet:
“The basketball world and anyone Micheal came in contact with lost a great sportsman.. He lived life to the fullest. He overcame the most incredible odds to accomplish what he did in life. He serves as an example on how to redeem yourself and make something of yourself. I think he is the greatest NBA player that has never been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Incredible player — player, person and family man.”
The main sources of wealth for Michael Ray Richardson were his eight-year NBA career, his subsequent work as a basketball coach in other leagues, and the proceeds from a memoir he co-wrote in 2024.
During his eight-year NBA career, Richardson led the league in thefts three times and was named an All-Star four times. Despite being a good basketball player, he had personal problems with substance abuse, which led to a lifetime ban from the league.
He has continued to coach basketball in spite of the prohibition, although no precise information regarding his present income is known.
NBA commissioner David Stern banned Richardson for life on February 25, 1986, for breaking the league's drug policy three times. He was the NBA's first active player to receive a ban.
Before being selected by the Knicks with the fourth choice in the 1978 NBA Draft, Richardson, also known as "Sugar," excelled at Montana and played for the club for four successful seasons.
He missed just 13 games while averaging 14.2 points, 7.1 assists, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.6 steals per game. He was selected to the All-Star team twice and was named to the First Team All-Defense twice.
Also read: Michael Ray Richardson's cause of death: Mystery deepens around NBA star's sudden death after shocking prostate cancer revelation
He was an NBA legend . Although his net worth is unknown, sources claim that substance addiction problems affected his career and resulted in a protracted NBA ban. Before turning to coaching, he was a player with the New Jersey Nets, Golden State Warriors, and New York Knicks.
Knicks legend Michael Ray Richardson’s legacy remembered after brave battle with prostate cancer
According to Andscape, former Knicks star Michael Ray Richardson, the first NBA player to ever get a life sentence for drug offences, passed away in Oklahoma on Tuesday at the age of 70 after fighting prostate cancer.
Attorney and friend John Zelbst said told the outlet:
“The basketball world and anyone Micheal came in contact with lost a great sportsman.. He lived life to the fullest. He overcame the most incredible odds to accomplish what he did in life. He serves as an example on how to redeem yourself and make something of yourself. I think he is the greatest NBA player that has never been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Incredible player — player, person and family man.”
The main sources of wealth for Michael Ray Richardson were his eight-year NBA career, his subsequent work as a basketball coach in other leagues, and the proceeds from a memoir he co-wrote in 2024.
We’re saddened to hear of the passing of former Nets All-Star, Michael Ray Richardson. The Nets family sends their deepest condolences to the Richardson family today. pic.twitter.com/XLUSss2yjR
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) November 11, 2025
During his eight-year NBA career, Richardson led the league in thefts three times and was named an All-Star four times. Despite being a good basketball player, he had personal problems with substance abuse, which led to a lifetime ban from the league.
He has continued to coach basketball in spite of the prohibition, although no precise information regarding his present income is known.
NBA commissioner David Stern banned Richardson for life on February 25, 1986, for breaking the league's drug policy three times. He was the NBA's first active player to receive a ban.
Before being selected by the Knicks with the fourth choice in the 1978 NBA Draft, Richardson, also known as "Sugar," excelled at Montana and played for the club for four successful seasons.
He missed just 13 games while averaging 14.2 points, 7.1 assists, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.6 steals per game. He was selected to the All-Star team twice and was named to the First Team All-Defense twice.
Also read: Michael Ray Richardson's cause of death: Mystery deepens around NBA star's sudden death after shocking prostate cancer revelation
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