Michael Richardson is now a kindergarten teacher and salon owner

Michael 'Sugar' Ray Richardson is a former NBA player who has made a big career change. Now, at 69 years old, he works as a kindergarten teacher and owns a beauty salon in Oklahoma. Richardson's basketball journey began late. He didn't join his high school team until his senior year. However, he became a star at the University of Montana, where he became the school's all-time leading scorer. This talent got him drafted fourth overall by the New York Knicks in 1978. In his second season, Richardson led the NBA in assists and steals. He was known for being fearless on the court and could outplay many top players. Sadly, his career took a turn due to a cocaine addiction. In 1986, the NBA permanently banned him after he failed his third drug test. After his ban, he continued to play basketball in smaller leagues and abroad. He retired in 2002 after a stint in France. Later, he took on coaching roles and led teams to championships. In recent years, he has hosted youth basketball clinics. Richardson also shares his life story in a book titled 'Banned: How I Squandered an All-Star NBA Career Before Finding My Redemption.' Despite his past, he reflects positively on his journey and holds no grudges against NBA Commissioner David Stern. He believes he deserved the consequences of his actions. Today, Richardson finds joy in teaching young kids, a big change from his intense basketball days. He expresses satisfaction with his current life and looks forward to what comes next.