40 for 34 #35 - June 15

Money to Fly

Days Before the Draft, Len Bias Worked for "Airport Money"

Shortly before the NBA draft, Len Bias stopped by to say hello to John Brown, the owner of Bentley's Restaurant in College Park, and a friend. The two enjoyed a lunch together. After the meal, Bias asked to borrow money. Brown was taken aback. Soon after his eligibility had expired in late March, Bias had secured a loan of about $20,000 from a local bank where his mother, Lonise, worked in anticipation of signing a lucrative NBA contract. Bias had spent thousands of dollars to lease a Nissan 300 SX and go on a shopping spree for other luxuries.

Brown was surprised that Bias needed more money: “I said ‘Len, what happened to all your upfront money?’ He said ‘I just don’t have it.’ ” Brown knew Bias wouldn’t have to pay his travel expenses to attend the draft in New York City, but Bias said he needed what he called “airport money,” if he wanted to buy a magazine or a newspaper or some gum.

Brown told Bias that he would give him money, but only if he worked for it. Bias agreed, so Brown directed Bias to water some shrubs that had just been planted on property Brown owned behind the restaurant. Neighbors noticed Bias’s peculiar work detail and called Brown to wonder if all was well with the soon-to-be high NBA draft pick. He assured them there was nothing to worry about. After Bias had worked for about 90 minutes, Brown wrote him a check for $37, which he cashed at the bar before he left.

Excerpted from the book,

Born Ready: the Mixed Legacy of Len Bias

Buy autographed copies

as a Father's Day Gift

The audio for this post was narrated by the author,

Dave Ungrady.

And listen to more about Len's early life in Episode 2 of the narrative podcast series, Len Bias: A Mixed Legacy

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