Len Bias Research Paper

Len Bias was born in 1963 and was only twenty-two when he died of a cocaine related overdose. Bias was and still is considered one of the most exceptional players in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Bias rose to stardom after being a star collegiate athlete at the University of Maryland, drafted into the NBA only two years on the collegiate level (Boren…). After being drafted into the NBA in 1986 and the buzz that surrounded him was loud. However, as Bias gained popularity even though he never set foot on an NBA court; he began to feel the pressures of fame and stardom.
Len’s introduction to cocaine is a source of contention; some citing that his fatal experience was his introduction to the drug with others stating that he was an occasional user that snorted the drug for recreation (ESPN…). Despite what opposing sides would believe, his use of cocaine on the early morning hours of July 19, 1986 was his last. Unlike, cocaine addicts that live transient lives with little to no contact with friends and family, …show more content…
How could should a bright, young athlete be dead from a drug related overdose? In the 1980’s cocaine use was commonplace, yet coming off its “high” from the 1970’s. However, anti-drug awareness campaigns were beginning to emerge warning American’s of the hazards of drug use. Reading this tragic story, leads me to believe that Bias’s death was so alarming because of his wholesome and All-American image and great potential. To see such as bright star extinguished was eye opening and proved that drugs can cause the death of anyone, even those we idolize and admire. The laisse-faire attitude regarding drug use changed after the Bias death with cocaine no longer seen as a recreational drug, but the “killer of a star”. This dreadful experience, brought traction to the Anti-drug awareness program and deterred millions of people from experimenting with drugs