Micheal Ray Richardson: NBA | Why He Was Banned | Wife | Cause of Death

Early Life & Rise to Stardom

Micheal Ray Richardson was born on April 11, 1955, in Lubbock, Texas, and grew up in Denver, Colorado, where he played high school basketball. He attended the University of Montana and became a three-time All-Big Sky selection.

In the 1978 NBA Draft, Richardson was selected 4th overall by the New York Knicks. Nicknamed “Sugar,” he quickly made an impact: He led the league in assists and steals in the 1979-80 season and became one of the most talented guards of his era.

He went on to appear in four NBA All-Star Games, lead the league in steals three times, and earn First Team All-Defense honours twice.

NBA Career Highlights

• With the Knicks from 1978 to 1982, he established himself as a premier two-way guard: scoring, distributing, defending.

• He was traded to the Golden State Warriors, then to the New Jersey Nets, where he enjoyed his best statistical season (1984-85), averaging around 20.1 points and 8.2 assists and earning NBA Comeback Player of the Year.

• His versatility and defensive tenacity made him a feared opponent. Former players noted “he had it all as a player, with no weaknesses in his game.”

Why He Was Banned

Despite his on-court brilliance, off-court troubles overshadowed his career. On February 25, 1986, the NBA banned Micheal Ray Richardson for life after he failed a third drug test (cocaine) in three seasons.

He acknowledged in later interviews and his memoir that addiction took over, saying:

“When you get like that, you lose all sense of yourself. … Your only thoughts are when you’ll be getting high next and for how long.”

Although the ban was lifted in 1988, Richardson never returned to the NBA, choosing to continue his career overseas.

The ban remains significant: he was the first active NBA player to receive such a disciplinary lifetime ban for substance abuse under that league’s policy.

Life After NBA: Redemption & Coaching

After the ban, Richardson played in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA), then in Europe (Italy, France, Croatia) until around 2002.

He later turned to coaching. Among his achievements:

• Head coach of the Albany Patroons in the CBA.

• Coach of the Lawton‐Fort Sill Cavalry, won multiple championships.

Richardson also became a mentor to young athletes and spoke publicly about his struggles with addiction, turning his story into one of redemption.

Personal Life & Wife

Micheal Ray Richardson’s personal life had its ups and downs, largely shaped by his addiction and career turbulence. He was married to his wife, Kimberly, at the time of his passing. The pair lived together in Lawton, Oklahoma.

Details about earlier marriages are less documented, but media reports mention multiple marriages and divorces affected by his substance-abuse issues.

Cause of Death

On November 11, 2025, Micheal Ray Richardson passed away at age 70 at his home in Lawton, Oklahoma, after battling prostate cancer.

His attorney and friend, John Zelbst, noted his death came shortly after the diagnosis and praised Richardson’s life of “redemption and winning.”

Legacy: What He Left Behind

• As a player: Richardson had the physical tools, skill set and competitive fire to be among the very best guards in his era.

• As a cautionary story: His ban highlights the consequences of substance abuse, no matter how talented an individual may be.

• As a beacon of second chances: His later life, coaching and mentorship show that even after setbacks, one can rebuild with purpose.

• Many analysts believe he is among the greatest NBA players never inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Timeline at a Glance

• 1955 – Born on April 11 in Lubbock, Texas.

• 1974-78 – Played at University of Montana.

• 1978 – Drafted 4th overall by the Knicks.

• 1984-85 – Peak season, Comeback Player of the Year.

• 1986 – Banned from NBA for lifetime (later reversed).

• 1988-2002 – Played in Europe and USA minor leagues.

• 2004-14 – Coaching career in CBA, NBL Canada, etc.

• 2025 – Passed away on November 11, aged 70.

Key Lessons & Takeaways

• Talent alone isn’t sufficient; discipline and personal choices matter deeply.

• Transparency and seeking help for addiction are critical: Richardson’s later openness helped reshape his story.

• Life after professional peak can still be meaningful: he reinvented himself as coach, mentor and father figure.

• Legacy is multi-dimensional: one can be brilliant on the court, flawed off it — and still make positive contributions later.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Why was Micheal Ray Richardson banned from the NBA?
A: He was banned in February 1986 for failing his third drug test (cocaine) over three seasons, thereby violating the NBA’s substance abuse policy.

Q2: Did the NBA ban get lifted?
A: Yes — the lifetime ban was lifted in 1988, making him eligible to return, but he chose not to return to the NBA and instead played in Europe and other leagues.

Q3: Who was his wife?
A: His wife at the time of his death was Kimberly. They lived together in Lawton, Oklahoma. Earlier marriages are reported but less clearly documented.

Q4: What was the cause of his death?
A: He died from prostate cancer on November 11, 2025, at age 70.

Q5: What were his NBA career achievements?
A: Some of his key achievements: four-time NBA All-Star, led the NBA in steals three times, averaged around 14.8 pts, 7.0 ast, and 5.5 rebards over his NBA career.

Q6: What is his legacy beyond the NBA playing days?
A: After his playing career, he coached in CBA, NBL Canada, Europe. He also used his life story to help young athletes understand addiction, resilience and redemption.