​Born Ready:

The Mixed Legacy of Len Bias 

Second Edition

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GoGrady Media, 2026

 

Len Bias was a two-time ACC Player of the Year from the University of Maryland when the Boston Celtics made him the No. 2 pick in the 1986 draft on June 17. Two days later, he died of cocaine intoxication. Along with the recent Penn State scandal, it was arguably the most significant college sports stories in history.

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Bias's death drastically changed the lives of those who knew him and loved him, changed the lives of many who knew of him, disrupted the University of Maryland athletic department for years, forced major changes in drug laws and altered the destiny of the Boston Celtics.

 

Born Ready: The Mixed Legacy of Len Bias, examines the complex legacy of Bias's life and death over 40 years. The first edition was published in 2011. Much has happened since then and five new sections have been added to the Second Edition. They include:

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A New Foreword - by Scott Van Pelt, a prominent ESPN host and reporter. Scott is a 1988 graduate of the University of Maryland who played pickup games with Bias on campus. He insight and vivid reflections set the tone for the book. 

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Introduction - Author Dave Ungrady simplifies the complex legacy of Bias, focusing on decision making and resilience. 

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Cultural Catalyst - explains how the death and legacy of Bias have been interpreted in film, literature and television.

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Acceptance - explains how the University of Maryland evolved to accepting, and at times embracing, the life and legacy of Len Bias after decades of discouraging recognitioon of his name and likeness on campus.

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Delayed Fame and Honor - explains the efforts made to officially honor Bias and his legacy. He now has been recognized in five halls of fame. 

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The author talked with Bias's former teammates and close friends; former University of Maryland athletic department employees and athletes; Celtics officials and those who worked with them; and those directly affected by federal legislation enacted as a result of his death. Ungrady portrays a Bias who was loved and adored by those who knew him but who at times struggled with his status as one of the most gifted basketball players of his generation.  

 

The book humanizes Bias's legacy through the thoughts and actions of those most affected by his death. Teammates offer a range of perspectives: John Johnson calls Bias an angel; Speedy Jones says Bias's death made him a better person; Derrick Lewis uses the Bias story to teach his high school students about the perils of drug abuse; Terry Long, who was with Bias when he died, still refuses to talk about Bias's death. Further, former high school coach Bob Wagner thinks about Bias every day and Johnnie Walker, a Bias friend and mentor, still feels partly responsible for his death.