Remembering Ricky Barry, 20 years later...
Posted: Fri Aug 14, 2009 2:34 pm
Twenty years ago today, Kings swingman Ricky Barry took his own life following a very encouraging rookie season. This event came as a huge shock to me, as it did to all Kings fans. Why would someone with such a bright future ahead of him end it all like he did?
The Bee this morning has a good article looking back at the tragedy. It is still painful in some respects to think of what was lost and what could have been. But it is still a good read. To me it is a good reminder of the struggles young players face as they try to transition to a new high-profile life as an NBA star (or would be star).
http://www.sacbee.com/kings/story/2108483.html
The Bee this morning has a good article looking back at the tragedy. It is still painful in some respects to think of what was lost and what could have been. But it is still a good read. To me it is a good reminder of the struggles young players face as they try to transition to a new high-profile life as an NBA star (or would be star).
http://www.sacbee.com/kings/story/2108483.html
The Kings' darkest hour wasn't last season, when they managed a franchise-worst 17 wins. It was Aug. 14, 1989.
"Such a great kid and such a great loss," said Jerry Reynolds, Berry's coach with the Kings who now is in the team's front office. "He had the potential to be a major star. And it really threw this franchise into a fog."
Berry's death changed lives, and it altered the course of the franchise.