Michael Ray Richardson is a famous American Basketball Player and Head coach, who was born on Apr 11, 1955 in Texas, United States. Find Michael Ray Richardson age, wife, net worth, height, weight, education, career, family, images, biography & more updates. Get information about Michael Ray Richardson’s all key achievements or accomplishments, including professional and personal life detail.
Personal Profile About Michael Ray Richardson
Michael Ray Richardson was an American professional basketball player and head coach. He was drafted fourth overall in the 1978 NBA draft and played for the New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, and New Jersey Nets. He became a four-time NBA All-Star and led the league in steals in three seasons.
He also played for the Long Island Knights, Albany Patroons, Virtus Bologna, Split, Livorno, Olympique Antibes, Cholet Basket, Montana Forlì, and AC Golfe-Juan-Vallauris. The Michael Ray Richardson biography mentions that after retiring as a player, he coached the Albany Patroons, Oklahoma/Lawton-Fort Sill Cavalry, and London Lightning.
Michael Ray Richardson Death
Michael Ray Richardson death took place on November 11, 2025, in Lawton, Oklahoma, U.S. His attorney and longtime friend, John Zelbst, confirmed the news of Michael Ray Richardson death. He passed away at the age of 70 in his home that he shared with his wife.
Michael Ray Richardson Cause of Death
Michael Ray Richardson cause of death was prostate cancer, confirmed by multiple sources. Despite his health challenges, Richardson’s legacy went beyond the sport. The Michael Ray Richardson cause of death reflects the final chapter of a life that weathered highs and lows.
Michael Ray Richardson Wife
Michael Ray Richardson wife was Kimberly Richardson. The couple worked together in the community, mentoring youth and young Black men, and even owned a local beauty salon. In his later years, they lived a quiet and grounded life together in Lawton, Oklahoma. Michael Ray Richardson wife was present at their home when he passed away.
Michael Ray Richardson Net Worth
The estimated Michael Ray Richardson net worth is at least $744,658. In the early 1980s, he earned top-guard NBA salaries, including deals of more than $300,000 annually. By the mid-1980s, his Nets contract reportedly totaled around $3 million across several years. Later, he earned consistently as a star import player in Italy and France and later as a championship-winning coach.
Based on his lifetime earnings and assets, a safe estimate places Michael Ray Richardson net worth in the low- to mid-seven-figure range. According to available records, his assets were at least $744,658 USD.
Michael Ray Richardson Banned
Michael Ray Richardson was banned from the NBA on February 25, 1986, after he tested positive for cocaine for the third time in three seasons. The NBA had started a new anti-drug policy on January 1, 1984, and Commissioner David Stern gave him a lifetime ban under that rule. This made him the first active NBA player ever to be banned.
Two years after Michael Ray Richardson was banned, in 1988, he was allowed back into the NBA after showing recovery and following all conditions, but he did not return to play. Instead, he went to Europe, where he played for many years and later became a coach.
Michael Ray Richardson Age
Michael Ray Richardson age was 70 years old at the time of his passing. He was born on April 11, 1955, in Lubbock, Texas, USA. He was around 19 years old when his college career started, and it continued for 4 years. Michael Ray Richardson age was 23 years old when his professional career started in 1978.