When rising superstar Len Bias dropped dead two days after being selected as the second overall pick in the 1986 NBA Draft, he forever altered our perception of casual drug use and became the tipping point of America’s drug crisis in the mid-80s. Future generations continue to face the harsh punishment of drug policies that were influenced by the public outcry after his heartbreaking death. Instead of becoming an NBA star, he became a one-man deterrent, the athlete who reminded everyone just how dangerous drug use can be.
More than two decades later, his tragic death still leaves more questions than answers. How could a University of Maryland superstar and Boston Celtics’ lottery pick be derailed by a cocaine binge? In the most ambitious, comprehensive and uncompromising account of Bias’ life and death ever captured on film, up-and-coming director Kirk Fraser interviews Bias’ closest teammates, friends and family in an effort to determine exactly what happened on that fateful night.
Bonus:
- 2 Director’s Statements
- 2 Featurettes
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Rating: 
(out of 3 reviews)
List Price: $ 14.95
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July 3, 2010
#1
Review by Kevin Buckner
Rating:
For those either too young to remember, or blinded by the corporate light of his ‘Airness’, this documentary chronicles a sad ‘what could have been’. Leonard Kevin Bias was a hoop phenomenon matched in his tragedy only by that of Eric ‘Hank’ Gathers. When I think of how the arc of play in the NBA would have changed with these two…I can only say, ‘dang…’ Len was a force and I, for one, feel that we would not think of Michael Jordan, the way we do, if fate had dealt Len’s hand differently.
Boston would have competed for at least 3-5 more championships with Len. Both Bird and McHale would not have had to play the extended minutes they did, and there would have also been tougher matchups for LA, Detroit and Chicago with him in their rotation.
As far as championships go…LA probably wouldn’t have won back to back in 1987-88, Detroit either in 1989-90. And Chicago would not have won 3 in a row in 1991-93. That’s a lot of history to have had an effect on, but Len was just that good.
Magic, Isiah and Jordan should all place a dozen red roses on his grave every June 19th, just out of respect.
July 3, 2010
#2
Review by G. Williams
Rating:
Wow!!
What if this tragedy never happened? I ask myself that every so often when his name comes up. Would the “Air Bias” have been the shoe of choice??
I remember watching this guy play. He was incredible. He was unstoppable. No one really had an answer for him in the college game. You just kinda hoped that he would have “off” games. He was truly a man amongst boys in college.
I watched the draft, and being a Lakers fan, I hated that Boston was able to get Bias. I later felt terrible when i found out he died. I dont remember if I cried when it happened, but after watching this film, I almost did as it brought up those old feelings as a youngster.
This film was very well done. I enjoyed looking back at such a sad event, and even learned some things that I never knew about the situation. After watching this, I think you too will wonder to yourself…… what if.
July 3, 2010
#3
Review by John Minichino
Rating:
I bought this video after watching it on ESPN so that I could show an 8th grade Social Skills class that I teach. It was very appropriate to that age group, showing the dangers of drugs but especially how ones actions can have a lasting and sometimes damaging effect on those that we love. Growing up and living in the Washington, Maryland area I was surprised to find that not one 8th grader had ever heard of Len Bias. Hopefully by watching this and discussing the mistakes that he made, his death will not be in vain.