NBA Draft week always reminds me of the tragic death of Len Bias.
Like Michael Weinreb -- who put together this must-read (perhaps even definitive) piece on Bias' death -- I was 13 when Bias died (13 being arguably your peak year as an earnest fan before you realize the complexities that come with sports).
And I might just agree with Weinreb that Bias' death was "the most socially influential moment in the history of modern sports." (Presumably, he means what I commonly refer to as "the ESPN Era," which I'd describe as 1980-Present.)
Like many who grew up in suburban Maryland in the mid-80s, I worshipped Len Bias. The memory of his death being announced on TV is something I remember as vividly as if it was yesterday.
-- D.S.
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Not sure why Bias's death was so important. He just happened to be a high profile athlete, that is all. He used drugs, OD'ed and died. He died at his own hand by his own stupidity. I still feel sorry for his family but don't see it as that important an event.
The worst thing was that Boston thought they should be compensated for the draft choice somehow.
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