November 18, 1963 – June 19, 1986
Leonard Kevin Bias, known as Len, was arguably one of the most promising NBA athletes ever drafted. However, Bias was never able to reach his full potential on a professional sports team. Len Bias was drafted by the Boston Celtics as the second overall draft pick in 1986 but died two days later from a drug overdose at the age of 22. Bias’ death made headlines as it was one of those tragic events of a life cut far too short.
Only four years later, the Bias family lost another member, Len’s brother Jay, who was shot at a shopping mall. Since her sons’ deaths, Dr. Lonise Bias, Len and Jay’s mother has spent years talking with youths encouraging them to stay away from drugs. Last year was the 25th anniversary of Len’s death. Here are some articles on how influential Len’s legacy is:
- 25 years later, Len Bias’ death continues to sow change – AOL Sporting News, June 19, 2011
- The Day Innocence Died – ESPN
- From Teammate to Coach: Dickerson’s Resilience Helps Shape Len Bias’s Legacy – Bleacher Report, June 14, 2012
After Bias was drafted, he was quoted as saying “‘I don’t have a ring yet…But I’d be pleased to wear one.’”1 Unfortunately, Bias never had the chance to play for a NBA championship ring. The Boston Celtics have retired the number 30 in honor of Bias, even though he never actually played for the team. 2
1 Celtics Make Bias Second Overall Pick of Draft, The Washington Post, June 18, 1986
2 Tod Benoit, Where Are They Buried? (New York: Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers, Inc.), 93.
