NBA Players Who Were Dr*g Dealers
Tragic Stories of Drug Use in the NBA
Behind the glory of the NBA, many legends have struggled with addiction and dangerous choices involving drugs. From Lamar Odom to Steve Francis, these decisions not only impacted their careers but also threatened their very lives.
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Lamar Odom: Talent Haunted by Addiction
Lamar Odom, one of the most versatile players of his generation, admitted to starting marijuana at age 15 and trying cocaine after the 2004 Olympics during a traumatic experience. Despite his addiction, he played at an elite level, winning two NBA championships with the Lakers. His life unraveled after being traded to the Dallas Mavericks, culminating in a near-fatal overdose in 2015. Since then, Odom has maintained sobriety and become an advocate for addiction treatment.
Michael Ray Richardson: The First Lifetime Ban
Richardson was a talented guard and four-time All-Star whose career was destroyed by cocaine addiction. He became the first NBA player banned for life due to drug violations. Although reinstated after two years, he chose to continue his career overseas for 14 years.
Steve Francis: From Street Dealer to NBA Star
Francis grew up in extreme poverty and began selling crack cocaine at age 10. Basketball scouts recognized his talent, leading him to become a three-time NBA All-Star. However, his past continued to haunt him throughout his career.
Henry James: Arrested for Selling Crack
After retiring, James was arrested twice for selling crack cocaine at his home while his six children were present. He was sentenced to five years in federal prison.
Marvin Barnes: Talent Destroyed by Drugs
Barnes was a dominant college and ABA player whose NBA career was derailed by cocaine addiction and legal troubles. He once snorted cocaine on the bench during games. His post-NBA years included homelessness and multiple prison stints. He died in 2014 from complications related to addiction.
Chris Washburn: From Top Recruit to Lifetime Ban
Washburn was a highly touted recruit but struggled with cocaine and crack addiction. His NBA career lasted only two seasons before he was banned for life. He faced multiple arrests and homelessness before achieving sobriety.
John Drew: Star Player Turned Drug Offender
Drew was a prolific scorer in the 70s and early 80s but was banned for life due to drug violations. He was arrested multiple times for selling cocaine after his NBA career ended.
Roy Tarpley: Career Cut Short by Addiction
Tarpley was an elite rebounder and defender whose career was plagued by cocaine and alcohol abuse. He was banned twice from the NBA and had serious legal troubles. He died in 2015 from health issues linked to long-term substance abuse.
David Thompson: Skywalker’s Battle with Cocaine
Thompson was renowned for his scoring and incredible vertical leap but fell into cocaine addiction after injuries. His addiction led to jail time and bankruptcy. He later embraced sobriety and became a motivational speaker.
Bernard King: From Drug Arrest to NBA Comeback
King was arrested for cocaine possession early in his career but quickly sought rehab and sobriety. He went on to become one of the NBA’s top scorers in the 80s, showing the power of personal change.
Spencer Haywood: Pioneer and Survivor
Haywood challenged NBA eligibility rules and was a dominant player in the 70s. He struggled with cocaine addiction but recovered and became an advocate for youth anti-drug education. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015.
These stories reveal the dark side of professional sports where immense talent can be destroyed by addiction. Yet, they also highlight hope and recovery, showing the resilience of the human spirit.
