Len Bias: A Mixed Legacy

How did Len Bias spend the few months from the end of his college career in April that year until he died? He took risks…he had fun…he spent lots of money…And he made a bad choice to abuse cocaine to an extent that it killed him.  As newly drafted players prepare for the NBA, we revisit some of the contenxt from Episode 3 in the series.  Len Bias: A Mixed Legacy was recently selected by Feedspot as one of the Top 35 Maryland Sports Podcasts on the web.https://blog.feedspot.com/maryland_sports_podcasts/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In remembrance of Hall of Fame Basketball Coach Lefty Driesell, the producers have aggregated clips from the series that tell the story of Lefty Driesell, his relationship with Len Bias, and his up and down history with The University of Maryland, where many argue, including Lefty himself, that he put the program on the map in the college basketball universe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former NC State star and NBA center Chris Washburn talks with Executive Producer Dave Ungrady about his own struggles with drug use causing him to be in and out of basketball and the effect Len Bias's death had on his life and others. Certain claims in the interview made by Washburn are unsubstantiated and are not to be taken as statements or facts from the producers of this podcast.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dave and Don interview 4 time NBA Champion John Salley who recalls his memories of his friendship with Len Bias from high school through the NBA Draft. John also discusses the impact Len would have had on the NBA and the actual impact his death had on the players and the league.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dave and don interview UCF Head Coach, former NCAA Player of the Year at Duke, and former NBA point guard Johnny Dawkins. Johnny remembers his time playing against Len in the ACC, barnstorming games and pickup games. His unique perspective is shared on how Len's tragic death and legacy helped save lives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maryland radio sportscaster Johnny Holliday remembers Len Bias and shares the stories of his unique relationship with Len and his family before and after his death including a personal request from Lonise Bias for Johnny to sing at Len's service. Johnny is interviewed by Dave Ungrady, Don Markus, and Rich Daniel. Johnny appears across the podcast series and is featured across multiple episodes and highlight clips.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Boston Globe sports journalist Bob Ryan is interviewed by producers Don Markus and Dave Ungrady in relation to his coverage of the team during and after the draft of Len Bias. Bob speaks to the immediate reaction of the team to Len's death, and what it would have meant to have Bias as a Celtic. Bob Ryan has been described as "the quintessential American sportswriter" and a basketball guru, and is well known for his coverage of the NBA and in particular the Boston Celtics. Episode 9 - Len Bias: A Mixed Legacy - From Dynasty to Drought: How the Death of Len Bias Impacted the Celtics and the NBA goes into further detail on the impact of Bias's death to the Boston Celtics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As June 19th marks the anniversary of Len Bias's tragic death, we hear from Len's teammates and his mother Lonise Bias on their immediate reaction to hearing Len was in the hospital and that he had passed away. More on the full story of the death of Len Bias and timeline of events surrounding the tragedy can be found in Ep 4 "His Final Hours" of this podcast series.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Interviews series continues with Don Markus interviewing ESPN broadcaster, former Duke Blue Devil, and attorney Jay Bilas. Jay played against Len his entire career in the ACC and offers a unique perspective on his death and the impact that it had on him and society at large. His viewpoint is shared in many episodes of the series including Ep 4 on Len's untimely death and Episode 8 where he shares his viewpoint on mandatory sentencing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The podcast series continues with new episodes by releasing the full length interviews from the series. The first interview episode is with Dorothy Gaines. Dorothy is an example of the cruel and harsh mandatory minimum sentencing laws introduced following the death of Len Bias. Dorothy recounts her story with executive produce Dave Ungrady. Dorthy featured prominently in Episode 8 where the series profiled her and others whose lives were turned upside down by mandatory sentencing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Spetzler, Executive Director of the Decision Education Foundation along with Olympic and legendary track star Justin Gatlin, who opens up and shares the importance of good and bad decision making and how it has affected Justin's career in track and field and what those decisions have led to in Justin's life, with podcast producer Dave Ungrady.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Spetzler, Executive Director of the Decision Education Foundation along with basketball coach Glen Farello and former Maryland basketball star Travis Garrison discuss the importance of good and bad decision making and how it has affected their careers in sports, with podcast producer Dave Ungrady.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Spetzler, Executive Director of the Decision Education Foundation along with two students Zach and Ben discuss the importance of good decision making and how it has helped them choose the right path for their lives, with podcast producer Dave Ungrady.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In life, Len Bias was a transformative basketball player. In death, he’s a cautionary tale and an iconic symbol of poor decision making. Len Bias is also a cultural catalyst.  In this episode, Len’s story and legacy are juxtaposed with those of many important figures in American cultural history…Emmit Till’s traumatic  tale, and racial injustice. The tragic young death of rapper Biggie Smalls…The black folklore fable of John Henry. His legacy is addressed in contemporary black writings, including by acclaimed poet Reginald Dwayne Betts and Justin Tinsley. Songs have been written about Bias. And a play used his story to teach youth about the perils of drug abuse. All this, in the last narrative episode of this podcast series. About the Narrator: John Salley - John Salley  is an American former professional basketball player, talk show host, and actor. He was the first player in NBA history to win championships with three franchises, as well as the first player in the NBA to win a championship in three different decades.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you define the legacy of a universally endeared and admired basketball player when he goes and throws it all away? How can you honor a young man whose youthful indiscretion placed the University of Maryland into a tailspin that lasted for almost a decade? How can a fan salute his vast achievements without acknowledging how his choice wreaked havoc on the world around him? Those  questions are answered in this episode. This is the fifth episode of seven in section three of the series, focusing on the main aspects of Len’s legacy. About the narrator: Kevin Sheehan is a University of Maryland alumnus and is the host of the podcast, the Kevin Sheehan Show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How does one family recover from the unexpected death of a son, primed to be one of the best basketball players of all time? How does one recover from the unexpected death of another son, who was as good a player as his older brother. What challenges does a young man face never knowing a father whose legacy haunts him? Those questions are answered in this episode. This is the fourth episode of seven in section three of the series, focusing on the main aspects of Len’s legacy. About the narrator - Lauren Rosh is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in multi-platform journalism and a double minor in law and general business from The University of Maryland, College Park. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Few were as profoundly affected by the death of Len Bias as members of the 1986 Maryland basketball team. For this episode, we will focus on the impact of his death on some of his teammates as well as his coach, Lefty Driesell.This episode captures the essence of resilience as it relates to the death and legacy of Len Bias. Some managed to endure the torrential onslaught of challenges….and forge lives wiser and more sturdy than they might have been without the tragedy. Others struggled to escape the lingering wreckage.About the narrator: Dave Ungrady, a former Maryland athlete, is the author of the book, Born Ready: the Mixed Legacy of Len Bias. He is the president of GoGrady Media and the executive producer of this podcast series. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1986 the Boston Celtics had won their third NBA title of that decade. Days later they picked Len Bias number two in the draft. But after Bias died two days after the draft, the Celtics dominance slowly faded. They would not win another NBA title for more than two decades. Further, listen to how Len’s death prompted the NBA to change its approach in dealing with drug abuse among its players.About the narrator: Don Markus is a retired, former sports reporter for the Baltimore Sun who covered Maryland athletics since 1985. He has also written about the NBA. Don is an adjunct Professor of Journalism at American University. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The death of Len Bias not only impacted the world of sports but impacted all of society. His high-profile death in the nation's capital added fuel to the fire of the War on Drugs in the ’80s. The creation of mandatory minimum sentencing and the disparity between sentences for powder and crack cocaine continue to affect Black and Latino communities to this day.About the narrator: Jamal Williams is a University of Maryland, College Park graduate. Where he earned his master's degree in journalism. He is currently a reporter for Laurel TV in Laurel, Md.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Through the mid-1980s, those working in Maryland athletics considered themselves members of a big family. But with the death of Len Bias, that family imploded and the department struggled for years. Find out how in this episode, A Dark Cloud.About the narrator: Don Markus is a retired, former sports reporter for the Baltimore Sun who covered Maryland athletics since 1985. He is an adjunct professor of Journalism at American University. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The death of Len Bias devastated the Maryland basketball program. In this episode, Tragedy to Triumph, coach Gary Williams and others explain how Maryland endured sanctions and other challenges to win its only national title.About the narrator: Rich Daniel is a 1985 graduate of the University of Maryland. He covered Len’s story as a television sports producer in the Washington, D.C. area.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maryland A.D. Dick Dull called it a Greek tragedy. At the end, Dull, Lefty Driesell, and football coach Bobby Ross all were gone. In this episode, Trauma and Transition, we relive the traumatic six months at Maryland following the death of Len Bias.About the narrator: Kevin McNulty is a junior journalism major at the University of Maryland. He is the deputy sports editor at the school’s newspaper, The Diamondback, and a former intern for this podcast series. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After returning from Boston, Len Bias was ready to celebrate his selection by Boston in the NBA draft. In this episode, The Final Hours, we relive the last hours or so of his life. You’ll hear from teammates, family members, and others.About the narrator: Dave Ungrady is the author of the book, Born Ready: the Mixed Legacy of Len Bias. He is the president of GoGrady Media and the Executive Producer of this podcast. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Barnstorming & Boston - with the NBA draft looming and his college career over, how did Len Bias spend his time? He went Barnstorming, met a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, reveled in draft day, went to Boston, and spent lots of money.The episode is narrated by Kevin Sheehan, a University of Maryland alumnus and the host of the podcast, the Kevin Sheehan Show. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Len Bias was a late bloomer to basketball. In this episode, Born Ready, you will discover how Len learned the game at “The Rec", Len’s development from a cry baby to a warrior, and how he became one of the best players in college history.This episode is narrated by Rich Daniel, a 1985 graduate of the University of Maryland. He covered Len’s story as a television sports producer in the Washington, D.C. area.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who was Len Bias? Why is his legacy so important? In this episode, we answer those questions. With insight from Clark Kellogg of CBS Sports and Justin Tinsley of ESPN, and the Undefeated, and others. Also what to expect in this podcast series. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Len Bias: A Mixed Legacy is a multi-part series about the legacy of former Maryland basketball star Len Bias and the importance of making the right decision. Bias, a two-time player of the year in the Atlantic Coast Conference, was picked number two by the Boston Celtics in the 1986 NBA draft. Two days later he was dead from complications of a cocaine overdose. The death greatly impacted federal drug legislation, criminal justice reform, athletics at the University of Maryland, the NBA, friends and family, and Black culture. His legacy resonates even today. The series will stress the importance of making the right decision. It is based on the book, Born Ready: The Mixed Legacy of Len Bias. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.