Sporting Chance

SAN FRANCISCO - Michael Ray Richardson could've been a Michael Jordan except they spelled their first names different and walked divergent paths.

Richardson was a phenomenal athlete like Jordan. His problem was he didn't think straight during his National Basketball Association (NBA) career. The star syndrome got into his head. The celebrity wildlife led to a cocaine addiction that brought an end to his NBA history in 1986.

The 6-5 Richardson led the league in steals thrice and averaged 14.8 points in eight seasons for the New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, and New Jersey Nets from 1978 to 1986. After failing his third drug test, Richardson was slapped a lifetime ban from the NBA under the "three strikes, you're out" policy.

Today, Richardson is 44. He lives in the south of France with his Moroccan wife and plays for Livorno in the Italian league. Europe has been his refuge since his shameful exit from the NBA.

Richardson, the Knicks 1978 first round draft pick, was here a few days ago to promote his NBA Entertainment documentary "Whatever Happened to Michael Ray?" on the TNT cable network. It will be shown in the US tomorrow. He also came to attend the All-Star Weekend on NBA Commissioner David Stern's invitation.

The NBA arranged for Richardson to meet the press at the Chairman's Suite of the Westin St. Francis Hotel at Union Square.

Richardson was dressed in a blue Nike warmup suit and looked at ease talking about his once-troubled life even as he badly stammered -- a speech defect from his boyhood. He claimed he's been drug-free the last 14 years.

"I've enjoyed a good basketball career," said Richardson. "I've had my bumps and bruises along the way; Hey, I've been a pro for 20 years. I feel I could've played 12 or 13 years in the NBA. I could've been an elite player. Europe helped me -- I don't think it saved me -- by getting me out of the drug environment."

I asked Richardson if he'd heard of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

"Sure, I have," he replied. "My pals Rodney Monroe and Michael Young played there. I never got invited, though -- I guess I wasn't good enough. As for my playing, I'm done. That's it for me. I'm still in the Livorno lineup but I'm on the injured list. Of ocurse, if I get offered good money on the table, I can persuaded to continue playing."

Richardson said he was born in the wrong era. "I should be playing now because the money's so much bigger," he smiled. "How would I do if I played in the NBA today? I don't know. I'm a finesse player but guys play the muscle game now. Among the current stars, I like Jason Kidd and Latrell Sprewell. I can compare with Kidd -- he plays both ends of the court like me."

Richardson said he played Jordan when his Airness was a rookie and remembered beating the Chicago Bulls in six of six games. "You've got to be physical against Michael because if you let him do what he wants, he'll kill you," he mused.

The toughest NBA player he ever faced was George Gervin. "He was a heck of an offensive player," he said. "Once, in the last game of the season, George shot 35 in the first period and had 72 by the third. He didn't even play in the fourth quarter. He won the scoring title that year over David Thompson."

What was the turning point in his life? "First making it into the NBA, then getting banned from it," he replied. How do you want your fans to remember you? "As a survivor." And his message to the youth? "Drugs and life don't mix -- if you want to be successful in life, don't do drugs."

At least, Richardson's story has a happy ending. He now thinks straight.