Former Knicks star Micheal Ray Richardson, who was the first NBA player to ever be banned for life for drug violations, died Tuesday in Oklahoma at the age of 70 following a battle with prostate cancer, according to Andscape .

“The basketball world and anyone Micheal came in contact with lost a great sportsman,” attorney and friend John Zelbst said told the outlet. “He lived life to the fullest. He overcame the most incredible odds to accomplish what he did in life. He serves as an example on how to redeem yourself and make something of yourself. I think he is the greatest NBA player that has never been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Incredible player — player, person and family man.”

Richardson, nicknamed “Sugar,” starred at Montana before the Knicks drafted him with the fourth pick

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