The 1986 NBA Draft proceedings were held on June 17 and the Celtics’ first-round pick Len Bias perished just two days after his selection. Tragic death of Len Bias made headlines in 1986 but even after 23 years, people talk about the tragedy. An ESPN documentary by Kirk Fraser explains what Bias’ death meant.

Leonard Kevin Bias suffered a fatal cardiac arrhythmia at the age of 22 years and he died on 19 June, 1986. So what was so significant about the death of a 22-year-old young man that made headlines worldwide in the year 1986 and after as many as 23 years, we are still talking on the same issue?

He was not an ordinary youngster any more as the Boston Celtics’ basketball team had selected Len Bias as their first team All-American college basketball player in the 1986 NBA Draft. The news that followed the announcement of his selection as 1986 Draft, made the youngster memorable for ever; Len Bias died just within 48 hours after achieving a landmark, off cardiac arrhythmia caused due to an overdose of cocaine.

Though there were some more 1986 draft players involved in drug-related tribulations, but the death of a recruit of the University of Maryland and the Celtics’ first-round pick energetic young basketball player caught real attention. The defending champions Boston Celtics management, the fans, the press and the media and almost everyone was stunned to learn the death news of a player selected as second overall just two nights ago.

‘Without Bias’ is the latest release of “30 for 30” by Kirk Fraser, an ESPN Films’ production and it’s main focus is determine what exactly it meant for the family, friends and the whole team of Boston Celtics by Len’s death.

After his selection on 17 June at Madison Square Garden (New York), Len Bias left for Washington D.C. where he visited Maryland campus and had some party with old fellows. During the party somehow or the other, he took an overdose of cocaine and in the early morning hours a 08:55, he died at a Riverdale Md., hospital.

1986 NBA Draft