William Bedford

William Bedford (born December 14 1963, in Memphis, Tennessee) is a retired American professional basketball player who was selected by the Phoenix Suns in the 1st round (6th overall) of the 1986 NBA Draft after playing at the University of Memphis (then known as Memphis State). Bedford, a 7'0" center, played for the Suns, Detroit Pistons and the San Antonio Spurs in 6 NBA seasons averaging 4.1 points and 2.4 rebounds per game in his career. Originally projected as a star player, Bedford's NBA career was a disappointment as he succumbed to drug use, never reaching his full potential. [ [http://espn.go.com/gen/s/2001/0604/1209379.html ESPN.com - GEN - Bedford: 'People don't think about the consequences' ] ]

During the 1990-1991 season at an incident at the Oakland-Alameda Arena against the Golden State Warriors, Bedford was shooting the ball during warm-ups when 2 young Golden State fans asked him for an autograph. Bedford dismissingly said "I don't sign for beggars." One of the fans replied "you'll be begging for playing time tonight!" Bedford ended up playing 0 minutes that night and was credited with a DNP-Coaches Decision in the box score.

Beford has had drug problems ever since he left the nba. He was arrested for drug possession twice between 1996 and 1997. In 2001, Bedford was accused of transporting 25 pounds of marijuana in Michigan. [ [http://espn.go.com/gen/s/2001/0604/1209379.html Bedford: 'People don't think about the consequences'] Greg Garber, ESPN.com, June 4th 2001 ] After the Michigan arrest, he was arrested two more times for marijuana, and in 2003 was given a 10 year prison sentence. [ [http://www.criminalsearches.com/details.aspx?id=59245382-->] As of 2008, Bedford is serving time in a Fort Worth, Texas prison on drug related charges, and is scheduled for release in 2013. [ [http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/apr/03/team-tragedy/ Team tragedy: '85 Tigers had talent, but troubles haunt them] , "Commercial Appeal", April 3, 2008] [ [http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/mensbasketball/2008-04-02-memphis-state-cover_N.htm '85 Memphis State run went from triumph to tragedy] by Mike Lopresti, Gannett News Service, April 3rd, 2008, ]

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External links

* [http://www.basketballreference.com/players/playerpage.htm?ilkid=BEDFOWI01 NBA stats] at basketballreference.com