Michael Ray Richardson was an American professional basketball player. Born in
Lubbock, Texas, began his career in basketball out of high school, playing for his state championship team in 1972. Following his graduation, he was recruited to play at the University of Montana by Montana Grizzlies coach Jud Heathcote. Richardson graduated in 1978, and in that same year, he became the fourth overall pick in the NBA draft for the New York Knicks.

Richardson played with the New York Knicks for four years, switching to the Golden State Warriors for one year, and finally the New Jersey Nets for three years. During that time, Richardson was a four-time NBA All-Star, a two-time NBA All-Defensive First Team, and a three-time NBA steals leader.

Unfortunately, his time with the NBA ended after he received a ban from the then commissioner for testing positive for cocaine for a third time in three seasons. Richardson received a two-year drug suspension from the NBA and was reinstated in 1988; however, he would decide to never play for the NBA again, instead continuing his career in Europe. Richardson would play for several basketball clubs across europe including Virtus Bologna, KK Split, Baker Livorno, Olympique Antibes, Cholet Basket, and more until his retirement in 2002.

Following his retirement, Richardson would coach for the Continental Basketball Association and the National Basketball League of Canada. Richardson would win a number of awards as a coach, including two CBA champion awards, two NBL Canada champion awards, two NBL Canada Coach of the Year awards, and one PBL Coach of the Year.