Topline
Adreian Payne, a former first round pick in the NBA draft who earlier starred on Michigan State University’s basketball team, was shot and killed in Orlando Monday, according to local authorities.
Adreian Payne pictured during a 2014 Michigan State game.
Key Facts
Police responded to a shooting early Monday morning, identifying the victim as Payne, the Orange County Sheriff’s office said in a statement.
Payne was transported to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead at 31 years old, according to police.
Police arrested Lawrence Dority on first degree murder charges related to the shooting, and Dorrity is in Orange County jail.
Key Background
Selected 15th overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2014 NBA draft, Payne played portions of four seasons in the league before continuing his basketball career overseas, most recently in Lithuania. A 6-foot-10 center, Payne made his most notable impact on the court while at Michigan State, where he played between 2010 and 2014, setting the school’s record for blocked shots and earning two second-team All-Big Ten selections. While at Michigan State, Payne was known for his friendship with young cancer patient Lacey Holsworth, who died in 2014 at eight years old. Following Holsworth’s death, Payne said, “She taught me how to fight through everything with a smile on my face even when things were going wrong…I know she’s smiling and dancing in heaven right now. My princess is now an angel.”
Crucial Quote
Magic Johnson, who starred at Michigan State before embarking on a Hall of Fame career in the NBA, tweeted Monday he was “heartbroken” to hear of Payne’s death, adding he “will be sorely missed.”
Further Reading
The Adreian Payne Story: How Michigan State Star Became the Ultimate Role Model (Bleacher Report)
Ex-Michigan State Spartans star Adreian Payne dies in shooting (ESPN)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/dereksaul/2022/05/09/former-nba-player-adreian-payne-shot-dead-at-31/