The NBA's Dark History with Drugs: From Cocaine Use to Gambling Scandals

TLDRIn the past, the NBA has had many incidents involving drugs, from players using cocaine to gambling scandals. The league has taken steps to combat these issues, but they continue to be a problem. One of the biggest drug busts in pro sports history involved six NBA players from the Phoenix Suns. The team's coach was later replaced, and the investigation revealed connections between players, a nightclub manager, and a photographer. This dark history sheds light on the challenges the NBA has faced with drugs and gambling.

Key insights

🚬The NBA has a troubled past with drug use, with estimates suggesting that as many as 75% of players used cocaine in the 70s and 80s.

💰Gambling scandals have also plagued the NBA, with players being involved in betting on games, including one instance where players conspired to lose a game to cover the point spread.

🔍The Phoenix Suns were at the center of a major drug bust in 1987, with six players being indicted on charges of conspiracy to traffic narcotics.

🏀The Suns' coach was replaced during the season, and it was later revealed that there were connections between players, a nightclub manager, and a photographer.

🔒The NBA has introduced strict measures to combat drug abuse and gambling within the league, but these incidents highlight the ongoing challenges they face.

Q&A

How widespread was drug use in the NBA in the past?

—Estimates suggest that as many as 75% of NBA players used cocaine during the 70s and 80s.

Were there any gambling scandals in the NBA?

—Yes, there have been several gambling scandals in the NBA, with players being involved in betting on games.

What happened in the Phoenix Suns drug bust?

—Six players from the Phoenix Suns were indicted on charges of conspiracy to traffic narcotics in 1987.

Why was the Suns' coach replaced during the season?

—The Suns' coach was replaced during the season due to issues within the team, including connections between players and a nightclub manager.

How has the NBA addressed drug abuse and gambling?

—The NBA has implemented strict measures to combat drug abuse and gambling, but these incidents highlight the ongoing challenges they face.

Timestamped Summary

00:01The NBA has a troubled past with drug use, with estimates suggesting that as many as 75% of players used cocaine in the 70s and 80s.

02:40The Phoenix Suns were at the center of a major drug bust in 1987, with six players being indicted on charges of conspiracy to traffic narcotics.

06:00The Suns' coach was replaced during the season, and it was later revealed that there were connections between players, a nightclub manager, and a photographer.

09:45The NBA has implemented strict measures to combat drug abuse and gambling, but these incidents highlight the ongoing challenges they face.

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