Wikipedia of the Week: Marvin “Bad News” Barnes

Contributor Written on April 29, 2009

SAN ANTONIO - MAY 25: Pau Gasol #16 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks back as the ball sits on the rim while taking on the San Antonio Spurs in Game Three of the Western Conference Finals during the 2008 NBA Playoffs on May 25, 2008 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Lakers 103-84. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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Last week I completely forgot to post an interesting Wikipedia item, so coming off of an accidental bye week, I figured I should find someone really interesting.

The ABA was a league filled with colorful characters but Marvin “Bad News” Barnes may have been the most fascinating of the bunch. As a basketball player he was dominant, winning ABA Rookie of the Year for the 1974-1975 season while with the Spirits of St. Louis. When the ABA came back in 2000, one of the divisions was even named after him.

Off the court, he was notorious for getting in trouble with the law. Multiple arrests and drug usage had derailed his career by the time he was 28. He eventually cleaned up and now mentors kids, telling them not to make the same mistakes as him. Barnes has said of his past, “It took me a whole state. State police, DEA, everyone.”

This article is also featured on Yet Another Sports Blog

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written on April 29, 2009 History