The grave of Len Bias. Photo by Mike Frandsen
Twenty-five years ago today something happened that was so shocking that it was hard to fathom that it really took place.
On June 19, 1986, University of Maryland basketball player Len Bias died of a cocaine overdose.
The scene that morning, as documented in news reports, was surreal and tragic as family members and teammates learned the news after gathering at Leland Memorial Hospital in Riverdale, Maryland.
Kirk Fraser recounted the story of Bias’ death in an ESPN documentary, 30 for 30: Without Bias.
It was like a nightmare that seems so real and then you wake up. Only this was real. It haunts Maryland fans to this day.
Bias was not only the best player ever at Maryland, he was the greatest player in the history of the Atlantic Coast Conference. He was better than Michael Jordan, Christian Laettner, David Thompson, and Ralph Sampson. Bias was a power forward with the strength of a center, the quickness of a small forward and the touch of a shooting guard. But that doesn’t come close to telling the story.
To read the rest of my article on Examiner.com, click here.
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