More than 20 years have passed, and the sting of Len Bias’ death is still as painful as ever. Director Kirk Fraser revisits the tale of college basketball star Leonard Bias’ sudden death due to cocaine overdose and it’s nation-wide effect.
This biography introduces a young, healthy Bias through old family photos and footage of the basketball star playing high school and college basketball. Fraser then incorporates past interviews held with Bias as he made the transition from college ball at the University of Maryland to his draft to the Boston Celtics in the NBA. Interviews given with Bias’ coaches, describing him as “a raw” player, paint a wonderful picture of the successful future Bias was destined for.
Only two days after being selected to play for the Celetics, Bias’ celebrations led to his demise. After snorting a few lines of cocaine with a couple of his teammates in his dorm room, Bias began seize. Shortly after Bias was rushed to the hospital, the devastating news that he was pronounced dead was leaked to the public.
“I was astounded, taken aback to find out how many people were torn up about his death,” Bias’ mother, recalls. Lonise Bias recollects the family receiving flowers from NBA stars such as Michael Jordan and Larry Byrd, as well as sympathy cards sent from President Regan and the First Lady. “I did not know how prominent he was until that moment,” she explains.
With footage of the Bias family exiting the hospital, incorporated into this shocking tale, “raw” can be used to describe more than Bias’ basketball talents. The emotion oozing out of Bias’ family, friends, and community makes it hard for those viewing this documentary to remain unattached.
Fraser then takes an unexpected turn in the film, picking up the pace and explaining the popularity of cocaine at the time. This helps younger viewers to get a better perspective on the happenings of that era, which, in turn, leads to a stronger personal connection with the story.
Fraser then ties Bias back into the story by having family members and sports journalists explain how his death had a ripple effect, causing a turning point for Congress and the creation of stricter drug laws.
Fraser does an incredible job connecting the viewer, whatever age they may be, to the story on a personal level. The tale is told in an elegant fashion, so as not to bash Bias for dabbling with drug paraphernalia, but by showing that the death of one person can have such a huge effect on the lives of others. Sports Journalist Kevin Blackistone sums it up best stating, “Bias’ passing has been a blessing to a lot of people slives because of the way that it happened.”
This well-produced documentary is a must-see for those who are unaware of Bias’ story and it’s effect on the nation.
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