Unfortunately, sometimes we never get to see how amazing an athlete could have been.  And this was certainly the case with Len Bias.  A college basketball star at the University of Maryland, Len was ecstatic to learn that he was drafted by the Boston Celtics.  However, that dream was never realized and it remains to this day one of the great tragedies in sports.

It was on this day, June 19th, 1986, that Len Bias passed away.  He died of a drug overdose not long after he was drafted by the Celtics.

The sporting world was stunned as Len had become widely popular while at Maryland.  The incident led to a public outcry to try and stop drug use amongst youngsters.  But on this sad day which is an anniversary of his death – we should take time to celebrate how special Len was.  On the court he possessed skills not scene at his position in a long time, and off the court he was a caring person who would have made a positive contribution to society.  Rest in peace Len.