Len Bias in History of Drugs in America
Len Bias (1963–1986) was an All-American basketball star at the University of Maryland. He died of a cocaine overdose one day after being selected by the Boston Celtics with the second overall pick in the 1986 NBA draft.
Len Bias' death became one of the most prominent drug overdoses in American history. His sudden, tragic end dramatized the dangers of cocaine use, contributing to a nationwide panic over the drug and consuming an incredible amount of media attention throughout 1986.