Len Bias | Cocaine Overdose Death

On June 19, 1986, college basketball player Len Bias was pronounced dead at Leland Memorial Hospital. 

Medical examiners ruled his cause of death as a cardiac arrest due to cocaine intoxication. Less than 24 hours prior, Bias was drafted by the Boston Celtics in the NBA draft, and was set to make his NBA debut the following November.

Before his death, Bias was an up-and-coming generational basketball talent. 

He amassed multiple accolades throughout his high school and college basketball years, and drew comparisons to future Hall-of-Fame player Michael Jordan. The expected rivalry between Bias and Jordan never materialized.

The death of Len Bias had long-lasting implications beyond basketball. 

Len Bias’ Death & Aftermath

During the 48 hours leading up to June 19, 1986, Bias had attended the NBA draft in New York, met with apparel company Reebok in Boston, and flew home to Maryland. He attended an off-campus party before falling unconscious in his dorm room.

The next morning, he was still unconscious and his heart had stopped beating. 

His friend Brian Tribble called for help, while teammate Terry Long tried unsuccessfully to revive him. Bias was rushed to the hospital and pronounced dead shortly after due to a cardiac arrest and cocaine intoxication.

Bias’ mother Lonise Bias recalled receiving condolences and well wishes from significant figures such as president Ronald Reagan, vice president George Bush, Michael Jordan, and Bias’ prospective teammate and star Larry Bird. 

She recalled in later interviews how her son had become a public figure, in both his basketball career and in his passing.

Len Bias Laws & The War On Drugs

Bias’s death would become a symbol of the war on drugs, which was gaining traction in the news and Congress. 

Ubiquitous news outlets such as Newsweek and TIME Magazine described crack cocaine as an urgent issue at this time. Politicians used the emotional impact of Bias’ death to pass anti-drug legislation.

Democrat House Speaker Tip O’Neill used the Len Bias story to lobby for harsher anti-drug legislation, which passed in the form of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986. The repercussions of this act were felt in the U.S. for decades thereafter.

These laws, which included strict mandatory minimum sentencing laws for cocaine and crack possession, were colloquially known as the Len Bias Laws.

About Len Bias

Len Bias was born Leonard Kevin Bias in Prince George’s County, Maryland, on November 18, 1963. His father Jay Bias and mother Lonise Bias raised their son in a highly involved, devout environment.

Bias gained an interest in basketball when he was in middle school. Though he started playing at a later age, his athletic ability and affinity for the game were apparent to his family, friends, and college scouts. He stayed in his hometown for college, committing to the University of Maryland Terrapins for college.

Basketball Career

Under Maryland basketball coach Lefty Driesell, Bias developed from an exciting young prospect to a legitimate college star. 

He earned All-American player honors and ACC Player of the Year awards, leading the Terps to the NCAA Sweet 16 while competing with NBA-ready players such as Brad Daugherty and Michael Jordan. Off the court, teammates recalled Bias’ sense of humor and easygoing personality.

Bias’ meteoric rise to the peak of college basketball garnered attention from NBA scouts. 

He worked closely with Boston Celtics team president Red Auerbach, and was drafted by the Celtics with the 2nd overall pick on June 17, 1986. Bias was set to join a talented, winning roster with stars such as Larry Bird and Robert Parish.

Len Bias’ History Of Substance Abuse

Accounts from family members, teammates, and coaches suggest Bias did not have a history of substance abuse, with cocaine or other illegal substances. The 22-year-old Bias’ first time using cocaine may have led to his fatal overdose.

Did Len Bias Attend Drug Rehab?

Due to Bias’ perceived lack of drug use, he likely never sought help. Unlike other well-known accounts of drug overdose, Len Bias may not have struggled with drug addiction, leading to the intense nationwide shock at the news of his death.

Recovery Is Possible

The Len Bias story is one of the most significant “what if” stories in basketball history. His shocking death had ramifications on the team that drafted him and arguably the United States as a whole.

Drug abuse can affect people of all backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses, but recovery is possible with professional treatment services and reliable support from family and friends.

To learn how we treat drug addiction, please contact us today.