“Challenged Michael Jordan as the Best Player”: Despite Horrifying Tragedy Inspired by Cocaine, Shaquille O’Neal Agrees With Len Bias Take

Shaquille O’Neal is one of the greatest players of all time, and as such has a huge social media presence. Recently, he paid homage to a legendary player that never was, Len Bias. Drafted in 1986 by the Boston Celtics, Bias passed away a few days later due to cocaine usage. In the video, he shared on his Instagram story, Bias was spoken highly off and was even referred to as the direct counterpart of Michael Jordan. A statement that The Big Aristotle seems to agree with.

The four-time NBA Champion always uses his platform to remind fans about the history of the NBA.  And, his most recent story is no different. His story shows his dedication to reminding fans of something that all but forgotten by the current generation. Not to mention his incredible intuition for a legendary talent.

Shaquille O’Neal shares a post paying homage to Len Bias, a talent once hailed as Michael Jordan’s counterpart

Shaquille O’Neal recently shared a story on Instagram featuring ESPN analyst Jay Bilas. The video in question saw Bilas discuss one of the forgotten talents of the NBA, Len Bias. The post paid homage to Bias, who many considered to be a player capable of even challenging Michael Jordan.

However, despite being drafted by the Boston Celtics second overall in 1986, he never played a single game in the NBA. Unfortunately, a few days after being selected, Bias died from a cardiac arrhythmia related to the usage of cocaine. A heartbreaking loss, both for his family and the league.

In the post, Bilas claims that the University of Maryland graduate was the direct counterpart of Jordan. Once described as an “explosive and exciting kind of player” by Celtics scouts, Shaq’s story seems to suggest he agrees with the assessment.

Shaquille O’Neal remembers Len Bias, a Celtics prospect who died of cocaine usage. Shaq thinks he could have been as good as MJ pic.twitter.com/RgvdvfWVQf

— What are NBA Celebs Upto? (@NBACelebsUpdate) July 17, 2023

 

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A post shared by Jay Bilas (@jaybilas)

It’s great to see Big Diesel show his appreciation for an unfulfilled talent like Len Bias. Hopefully, he continues to highlight more players, who deserve recognition, just like the College Basketball Hall of Famer.

The Len Bias situation greatly impacted the US drug policy and led to the creation of the Len Bias Law

The death of Len Bias brought national attention to drug policies in the United States. This led to committees in the United States House of Representatives to start looking at anti-drug legislation. This eventually led to the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986 being passed by President Ronald Reagan.

The act, which is also referred to as the Len Bias Law provided a mandatory minimum prison term of 20 years and a maximum life sentence, along with a fine of up to $2 million for cases of drug distribution that led to the death or serious injury of a person.

Under Wisconsin’s Len Bias law, anyone who provides drugs to someone who dies of an OD can be charged w murder

…friend, family member, or partner of someone who died after using drugs could be charged w homicide if it was their drugs that were consumed https://t.co/FdMMCXoBjg

— Prison_Health 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ (@Prison_Health) June 14, 2023

Since then, drug use particularly in the NBA has reduced drastically. But, it is a shame that it took the life of Len Bias for such changes to actually be implemented. His life and memory will never be forgotten.