THE STORY
On June 17, 1986, the Boston Celtics selected University of Maryland star Len Bias as the second overall pick in the NBA Draft. Two days later, Bias died from a cocaine-induced cardiac arrhythmia at age 22. His death led to widespread media coverage and intensified the national conversation on drug abuse.
TEAMS / PEOPLE:
NBA teams and players
WHY IT MATTERS
Bias's death profoundly impacted the sports world, highlighting the dangers of drug use and prompting legislative changes, including the enactment of the 'Len Bias Law' in 1988, which imposed stricter penalties for drug trafficking.