20 Facts About Len Bias

Leonard Kevin Bias was an American college basketball player for the Maryland Terrapins.

Two days after being selected by the Boston Celtics with the second overall pick in the 1986 NBA draft, Len Bias died from cardiac arrhythmia induced by a cocaine overdose.

In 2021, Len Bias was inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame.

Len Bias was born and raised in the Prince George's County area in Maryland, just outside of Washington, DC.

Len Bias was one of four children born to James Bias Jr.

Len Bias had a sister, Michelle, and two brothers, Eric and James III.

Len Bias led the Atlantic Coast Conference in scoring in his junior year and was named the ACC Player of the Year.

Len Bias collected his second ACC Player of the Year award at the end of the year and was named to two All-America teams.

Len Bias impressed basketball fans with his amazing leaping ability, physical stature, and ability to create plays, and was considered one of the most dynamic players in the nation.

On June 17,1986, Len Bias was selected by the Boston Celtics as the second overall pick in the 1986 NBA draft, which was held in New York City at Madison Square Garden.

Len Bias suffered a seizure and collapsed while talking with teammate Terry Long.

Len Bias's death occurred when crack cocaine was being published across media and his death led to greater coverage, when in reality he died using powdered cocaine.

Len Bias was interred at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery in Suitland, Maryland.

Len Bias cooperated with the government and was sentenced to ten years and one month in prison.

Len Bias was pronounced dead at the same hospital where his brother Len had died and was buried next to him at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery.

Lonise Len Bias became an anti-drug lecturer, while James Len Bias became an advocate for gun control.

The circumstances surrounding Len Bias's death threw the University of Maryland and its athletics program into turmoil.

An investigation revealed that Len Bias was 21 credits short of the graduation requirement despite having attended the university for four full years; in his final semester, he earned no academic credits, failing three courses and withdrawing from two others.

The grand jury presiding over the Len Bias case issued a final report on February 26,1987, criticizing the University of Maryland's athletic department, admissions office and campus police.

Len Bias was mentioned during a Saved by the Bell episode on drug abuse.