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Former New York Knicks star Micheal Ray Richardson has passed away at 70.
The franchise released a statement on Monday which read: 'We are saddened to hear about the passing of former Knick Micheal Ray Richardson.
'One of the fiercest defensive players of his era, the four-time NBA All-Star made an incredible impact on the Knicks during his four seasons with the franchise.
'Our deepest condolences go to his family, friends and teammates'.
Richardson's death comes shortly after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, his attorney revealed according to ESPN.
His statement read: 'The basketball world and anyone Micheal came in contact with lost a great sportsman. 'He lived life to the fullest.
Former New York Knicks star Micheal Ray Richardson has passed away at 70
Richardson spent eight seasons in the NBA before getting banned for violating drug policies
'He overcame the most incredible odds to accommodate what he did in life. He serves as an example on how to redeem yourself and make something of yourself.
'I think he is the greatest NBA player that has never been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Incredible player -- player, person and family man.'
Richardson was a four-time NBA All-Star and two-time All-NBA first-team selection during his time in the league.
However, things soon came crashing down for Richardson after he was banned for life from the NBA in 1986 for violating the league's drug policy for a third time.
He was eligible to return to the league in 1988 however opted to continue his career in Europe, where he had stints in both Italy and France.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Richardson went to drug-rehabilitation centers five times between 1978-1985 as he battled a cocaine addiction, which he's previously mentioned during interviews.
In an interview with Andscape, Richardson openly spoke on the issue. He said: 'There are a lot of times where I try to put my finger on it like, 'How did I ever get into it?'
'I never was a drinker when I was in college. Never was a weed smoker. And to this day, I couldn't put my finger on how I got involved. I just don't know.
Though he was eligible to return to the NBA, he opted to continue his career in Europe
Richardson (back row, second from right) was a four-time NBA All-Star during his career
'It just came up on me. I can't figure it out. But it's something that the good Lord made me go through.'
A study conducted by The Washington Post in 1980 estimated that 40-75 per cent of the league's players were using cocaine at the time.
'Once you start doing it, the s*** just takes over and you don't think you have a problem,' Richardson told Andscape.
'Anything that you do that you can't stop means that you got a problem. Gambling, sex, alcohol, drugs, it's all the same.'
In the years that followed after his basketball career came to an end, Richardson wrote a book titled: 'Banned: How I Squandered an All-Star NBA Career Before Finding My Redemption'.
'What I hope [readers] gain from it is knowing that there is always a dark side and always an end of the tunnel. It don't have to be like that. Only you can change it,' he explained.
