What do you think?
Rate this book
Banned: How I Squandered an All-Star NBA Career Before Finding My Redemption
Michael Ray Richardson was a star in the making. After a stellar collegiate career at the University of Montana, where he was voted first team All-Big Sky Conference as a sophomore, junior, and senior, the future seemed bright. Taken fourth overall in the 1978 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks, Richardson was billed as “the next Walt Frazier.”
In just his second professional season, he became the third player in NBA history to lead the league in both assists and steals—both Knicks team records. Richardson would also notch four All-Star appearances and twice being named to the All-Defensive team over eight seasons between the Knicks, Golden State Warriors, and New Jersey Nets.
But during that time, his time off the court was having a bigger impact on his career than what he was doing on the court.
On February 25, 1986, after three violations of the league’s drug policy, NBA commissioner David Stern would ban Richardson from continuing his professional career. His struggles with drugs and alcohol were well documented, and someone considered the next big thing became the first player in league history to be receive a lifetime ban.
For most people, this would be the end to their story—one in which their substance abuse would take over and their downfall inevitable.
However, that was not in the cards for Michael Ray Richardson.
In Banned, Richardson opens up about his life both on and off the basketball court, discussing all the highs and lows that made him both a hero and a villain. Though being reinstated to the NBA in 1988, he would instead have stints in the United States Basketball League and CBA before taking his talents to Europe. With stints in Italy, Croatia, and France, he would lead his teams to numerous championships in his decade-plus overseas.
Now back in the states and running youth basketball clinics, Banned is Richardson’s first opportunity to open up about his life, showing that though you may get knocked down—even from self-inflicted actions—the only person that can count you out is yourself. With forewords from Hall of Famers George “The Iceman” Gervin and Nancy Lieberman, this is the story of the Michael Ray Richardson as only he can tell it.
In just his second professional season, he became the third player in NBA history to lead the league in both assists and steals—both Knicks team records. Richardson would also notch four All-Star appearances and twice being named to the All-Defensive team over eight seasons between the Knicks, Golden State Warriors, and New Jersey Nets.
But during that time, his time off the court was having a bigger impact on his career than what he was doing on the court.
On February 25, 1986, after three violations of the league’s drug policy, NBA commissioner David Stern would ban Richardson from continuing his professional career. His struggles with drugs and alcohol were well documented, and someone considered the next big thing became the first player in league history to be receive a lifetime ban.
For most people, this would be the end to their story—one in which their substance abuse would take over and their downfall inevitable.
However, that was not in the cards for Michael Ray Richardson.
In Banned, Richardson opens up about his life both on and off the basketball court, discussing all the highs and lows that made him both a hero and a villain. Though being reinstated to the NBA in 1988, he would instead have stints in the United States Basketball League and CBA before taking his talents to Europe. With stints in Italy, Croatia, and France, he would lead his teams to numerous championships in his decade-plus overseas.
Now back in the states and running youth basketball clinics, Banned is Richardson’s first opportunity to open up about his life, showing that though you may get knocked down—even from self-inflicted actions—the only person that can count you out is yourself. With forewords from Hall of Famers George “The Iceman” Gervin and Nancy Lieberman, this is the story of the Michael Ray Richardson as only he can tell it.
- GenresSportsBasketball
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 26, 2024
9 people are currently reading
1733 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 15, 2024
Michael Ray Richardson was an exciting, excellent NBA guard in the early 1980’s before he succumbed to the world of drugs, most notably cocaine. He was one of the first players to receive a lifetime ban from the NBA for drug use, but eventually got clean and was reinstated to the league in 1987. However, he never returned to the league and instead enjoyed his time playing in Europe and coaching minor league basketball. His journey is told in his memoir written with Jake Uitti.
Drafted in 1978 by the New York Knicks, Richardson realized his dream and goal of playing in the NBA was going to become a reality. His description of his life previous to this draft was enjoyable to read. It didn’t have any really shocking parts – was raised by a single mother (although his father was part of his life), saw blatant racism, vowed to make a better life for himself and his mother through basketball and went to college through the game. The only surprise there might be that instead of a storied basketball school, Richardson became a first-round draft choice after playing at the University of Montana. He does look back fondly at his time at the school and his youth before that in Denver.
It’s refreshing to read about a person who became an addict accepting all responsibility for their actions and not saying that this was because of situations, people or other issues beyond their control. He realized that he was the one who gave in to the temptations and did not protest when he received the ban. In fact, later on, he gives the NBA Commissioner at the time, David Stern, credit for saving his life for taking that action. It is also clear from Richardson’s words that this wasn’t something that he just discovered after his low point – he knew what he was doing was wrong, but just couldn’t stop.
It's also nice to see two other aspects of Richardson’s life – he takes responsibility for the failure of his marriages (not all of them due to drugs) but makes sure that he remains a father figure for his children. It was also great to read about his time playing in Italy as he became a very popular player there where people still would chant his name when he appeared at a function long after his playing days were over. It was clear that he relished his time there and felt it was the right decision for him to remain overseas instead of returning to the NBA.
Throughout the book, Richardson is upbeat and positive, despite the addiction that ended a promising NBA career. His story is certainly one that is inspiring and shows that one doesn’t have to take the same path after recovery to make one’s life productive after a bad event.
I wish to thank Skyhorse Publishing for providing a copy of the book via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own
https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...
Drafted in 1978 by the New York Knicks, Richardson realized his dream and goal of playing in the NBA was going to become a reality. His description of his life previous to this draft was enjoyable to read. It didn’t have any really shocking parts – was raised by a single mother (although his father was part of his life), saw blatant racism, vowed to make a better life for himself and his mother through basketball and went to college through the game. The only surprise there might be that instead of a storied basketball school, Richardson became a first-round draft choice after playing at the University of Montana. He does look back fondly at his time at the school and his youth before that in Denver.
It’s refreshing to read about a person who became an addict accepting all responsibility for their actions and not saying that this was because of situations, people or other issues beyond their control. He realized that he was the one who gave in to the temptations and did not protest when he received the ban. In fact, later on, he gives the NBA Commissioner at the time, David Stern, credit for saving his life for taking that action. It is also clear from Richardson’s words that this wasn’t something that he just discovered after his low point – he knew what he was doing was wrong, but just couldn’t stop.
It's also nice to see two other aspects of Richardson’s life – he takes responsibility for the failure of his marriages (not all of them due to drugs) but makes sure that he remains a father figure for his children. It was also great to read about his time playing in Italy as he became a very popular player there where people still would chant his name when he appeared at a function long after his playing days were over. It was clear that he relished his time there and felt it was the right decision for him to remain overseas instead of returning to the NBA.
Throughout the book, Richardson is upbeat and positive, despite the addiction that ended a promising NBA career. His story is certainly one that is inspiring and shows that one doesn’t have to take the same path after recovery to make one’s life productive after a bad event.
I wish to thank Skyhorse Publishing for providing a copy of the book via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own
https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...
November 30, 2025
Thoroughly entertaining. A great story of redemption.
November 27, 2024
Want to start with thanking Skyhorse Publishing, Michael Ray Richardson and NetGallery for the ARC to read for a honest review.
I was born in 1981 and grew up a huge Reggie Miller and Indiana Pacers fan. I knew the guys of the late 80's/early 90's. MJ, Magic, Shaq, etc. Will admit, I knew nothing about Michael Ray Richardson. before reading this book.
Overall the book is a very good read. Michael makes it a easy entertaining read. Aside form the drug stuff, it's interesting to read about how the NBA was back then compared to the mega stars of today with highlights on twitter and games on tv every night.
I was born in 1981 and grew up a huge Reggie Miller and Indiana Pacers fan. I knew the guys of the late 80's/early 90's. MJ, Magic, Shaq, etc. Will admit, I knew nothing about Michael Ray Richardson. before reading this book.
Overall the book is a very good read. Michael makes it a easy entertaining read. Aside form the drug stuff, it's interesting to read about how the NBA was back then compared to the mega stars of today with highlights on twitter and games on tv every night.
December 15, 2025
I found this to be a compelling read. I wish more troubled ball players would dump it all out before they die like Sugar did.
February 13, 2026
Thank you to the giveaway organisers! Will update once I receive the book.
October 26, 2024
got this book from Netgalley, so I can read and review it before it’s published. I am a fan of the NBA, but I will admit, that I have never heard of Michael Ray Richardson. So, when I saw this in the Netgalley catalog, I was intrigued and checked it out.
Michael was a 4-time All-Star when he played for the New York Knicks (legend Willis Reed was the one who saw him and wanted him), and won several championships as a coach. He played in the NBA from 1978 to 1986. He came before Magic, Larry, Michael, and Isiah, and he played against those greats. He also played against Dr. J!
I am looking at the 1978 NBA draft where Richardson was drafted 4th. Larry Bird was picked at number 6 (but, he came to the Celtics the following year), Reggie Theus was picked at number 9 by the Bulls, Maurice Cheeks was picked in the 2nd round, Michael Cooper was picked in the 3rd round, and the number 1 was Mychal Thompson who went to Portland. Pretty amazing draft, and back in those days, it wasn’t as popular and televised like it is now. Richardson was in his dorm room at the University of Montana where someone yelled to him that Willis Reed is looking for him. Michael than ran down the street to his coach’s house where he got to talk to Willis. How different would the NBA had been if the Knicks drafted Larry Bird and the Celtics picked Michael? Or even if the Bulls picked Larry or Michael.
He was a trash talker on the court, but was able to back it up with his offensive and defensive skills. He made a few all defensive teams during his NBA career.
He did get banned from the NBA after 8 seasons because of the “three strike rule for failing a drug test”. But, after two years, he was reinstated, but he never returned to the NBA as he took playing overseas for a several teams and then when he retired from playing, he coached in the minor leagues also for several teams. Michael has no regrets about what he did, and is now sober. He made a stupid decision, and he persevered. He is very open about it and nothing is left untouched. He also talked about his marriages and divorces, and all of his kids. He takes care of everybody.
I really enjoyed reading about his life, and enjoyed all the stories he told, the friendships he made with his teammates, his overall love of the game, and wanting to help bring awareness through basketball camps.
Michael was a 4-time All-Star when he played for the New York Knicks (legend Willis Reed was the one who saw him and wanted him), and won several championships as a coach. He played in the NBA from 1978 to 1986. He came before Magic, Larry, Michael, and Isiah, and he played against those greats. He also played against Dr. J!
I am looking at the 1978 NBA draft where Richardson was drafted 4th. Larry Bird was picked at number 6 (but, he came to the Celtics the following year), Reggie Theus was picked at number 9 by the Bulls, Maurice Cheeks was picked in the 2nd round, Michael Cooper was picked in the 3rd round, and the number 1 was Mychal Thompson who went to Portland. Pretty amazing draft, and back in those days, it wasn’t as popular and televised like it is now. Richardson was in his dorm room at the University of Montana where someone yelled to him that Willis Reed is looking for him. Michael than ran down the street to his coach’s house where he got to talk to Willis. How different would the NBA had been if the Knicks drafted Larry Bird and the Celtics picked Michael? Or even if the Bulls picked Larry or Michael.
He was a trash talker on the court, but was able to back it up with his offensive and defensive skills. He made a few all defensive teams during his NBA career.
He did get banned from the NBA after 8 seasons because of the “three strike rule for failing a drug test”. But, after two years, he was reinstated, but he never returned to the NBA as he took playing overseas for a several teams and then when he retired from playing, he coached in the minor leagues also for several teams. Michael has no regrets about what he did, and is now sober. He made a stupid decision, and he persevered. He is very open about it and nothing is left untouched. He also talked about his marriages and divorces, and all of his kids. He takes care of everybody.
I really enjoyed reading about his life, and enjoyed all the stories he told, the friendships he made with his teammates, his overall love of the game, and wanting to help bring awareness through basketball camps.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews