Morocco national team footballer Michael Amir Junior Richardson is mourning the loss of his father, former American basketball player and coach Michael Ray Richardson, who passed away on Tuesday in Oklahoma, at the age of 70. His attorney and friend, John Zelbst, confirmed that the four-time NBA All-Star died shortly after being diagnosed with prostate cancer. On Instagram, Amir paid tribute to his father by sharing a childhood photo of them together, writing: «My legend. To Allah we belong, and to Him we will return». The NBA mourns the passing of four-time All-Star Michael Ray Richardson. Michael dedicated his post-NBA career to using his life story to teach life skills to young people. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/f3TnT80b81 — NBA (@NBA) November 11, 2025 The NBA also expressed condolences, noting that Richardson «dedicated his post-NBA career to using his life story to teach life skills to young people», and extended «heartfelt sympathies to his family, friends, and fans». Richardson, nicknamed «Sugar», was celebrated for his exceptional playmaking and defensive skills during an eight-year NBA career with the New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, and New Jersey Nets. He led the league in steals three times and was named the 1985 NBA Comeback Player of the Year. After his NBA ban in 1986 for violating the league's drug policy, Richardson revived his career in Europe, playing in Italy and France until 2002. He later became a successful coach, leading teams in the Continental Basketball Association and guiding the Lawton-Fort Sill Cavalry to three consecutive titles between 2008 and 2010.
