New York Basketball legends turned Drug Kingpins
Wanted to bring new flavor to the Knicks community and give people stories about New York Sports in general. Today let’s get into two street legends in Pee Wee Kirkland and Karlton “Duncan” Hines.
First of all you the joining me with this article today and supporting me love you (brother or sister) I wanted to try something different to Knicks content creation and New York Basketball content creation in general. I feel there is more to New York than just than just knowing the pro sports teams sometimes you have to do your homework on history. Today I wanted to talk about Drug Kingpins who were great basketball players during their time back in the day (70s-90s). It’s important to know your New York history being a basketball fan in general so today I help you out with a little.
Here’s a nice pick of the Apollo theatre back in the 70s
New York is a vast place that has drastically changed since the 70s and has come a long way. Real quick let’s talk about the “Regan Era” aka the crack era. Matter of fact to hell with real quick let’s talk about it a little. If I’m going to talk about drug kingpin’s who was former basketball players why not talk about one of the main supplier’s of these drugs.
Here’s me as Ronald Reagan picture by
Ronald Reagan was a mother fucker, I know OGs who hate Reagan for reasons I won’t say on this article and I know other OGs who love him.
If you didn’t know the United State was funding a war in South America specifically Nicaragua and was smuggling drugs specifically crack cocaine on USA planes back to America.
It’s insane to me this man had various speech’s on the war on drugs but behind the scenes was apart of funding the situation destroying minority filled communities.
During this time a group called the Sandinistas in Nicaragua was fighting a dictator at the time for control for government. President Reagan didn’t like this not one bit and compared them to communist it was also noted England wanted oil access in Nicaragua so asked the US for help in a battle to help control Nicaragua.
In the Early 80s men like Rich Porter, Alpo and others seized this moment. The group that faught with these freedom fighters was named “Contra” and was funded by the CIA. Iran was also apart of this conflict with the American government who wanted access to the oil in Nicaragua. It was also noted Freeway Ricky Ross another legendary drug Kingpin in Florida was given cash and drugs by the contras to help fund them. Some cops were said to rob drug dealers and extort them.
Here’s Rick Ross talking about it
By the way shoutouts to Rich Porter sleep in peace king
The drug usage was clearly taking over the streets of low communities and eventually spiraled out to even famous people. One of the most famous stories that help shift the war on drugs was then basketball star Len Bias who played for Maryland who died days after being drafted by the Boston Celtics due to an overdose on drugs. It was noted by older folks Len Bias was better than Michael Jordan.
This was one of the first known deaths by a celebrity resulting of the usage of hard drugs.
Crack cocaine, coke, sniff was in the 70s,80s, 90s was always known as a “party” drug. I would never lie to anybody I still have 1, or 2, or 3 family members who sniff coke to this day. I get it and I understand so I will never talk down on anybody with their drug usage.
Shit, I even turned it into a positive shoutouts to CP the Artist well known knick fan for this graphic:
Now getting back to the “Contras”, this group was linked to cartels and all sorts of corruption, it was well known the CIA knew all of these dealings happening behind the scenes.
Here’s more of the Iran-Contra stuff I’m writing about:
The CIA also knew of Freeway dealer Danilo Blandon an exile from Nicaragua, a contra who funneled thousands of dollars to the contras through banks in Miami.
A guy by the name of Gary Web
really exposed this drug operation who in 1996 and wrote a book about it. The CIA admitted to knowing the Contras, knowing about the drug epidemic and even protected these people from investigations. Such a disgusting concentrated attack on minority filled communities in inner city areas.
The Poverty rate rose under Reagan it was really bad during the 80s super happy all of the OGs who survived this era still here today breathing and full of life.
Now let’s get into some of these New York basketball players turned drug Kingpins. I just wanted to give people some insight on what was happening during the 70s and 80s during the drug epidemic. Also, how the war on drugs could’ve effected the live of generations of inner city kids especially black kids to this day.
For shits and giggles off topic but on topic let’s start off with the big dog Nikola Pekovic former NBA player turned Kingpin.
In the 2013-2014 season, Pekovic would be his best season averaging 18 and 8 next to Kevin Love. He was drafted by the Timberwolves but became “the godfather” after he retired. Nikola is a close friend and business partner with the notorious Saric brothers who are Montenegrian drug lords. Back in the day, Belgrade police would seize a car full of drugs and guns registered in Pekovic name but no arrest was made.
Also real quick before we even get to the drug kingpins let’s talk some Knicks too During the 1980s, the New York Knicks faced allegations of drug use and point-shaving, particularly during the 1981 and 1982 seasons. These rumors implicated three players, with Michael Ray Richardson as a central figure due to his known drug issues. The FBI investigated connections between a drug dealer and Knicks players, suspecting involvement in point-shaving. Despite significant bets placed on Knicks games by the dealer, the case lacked physical evidence and witnesses, leading to its closure by 1986. The aftermath saw the Knicks undergo major changes, trading players like Richardson and Bill Cartwright, while injuries and other challenges ended the careers of several team members. Richardson's personal struggles with drugs continued, resulting in a lifetime ban from the NBA in 1986, though he later found redemption through coaching and playing in Europe.
Matter of fact ima write an article on the 80s Knicks soon.
Now onto the kingpins who was former basketball players and these two guys is well known especially by New Yorkers who do their basketball history and knowledge about the streets in general Pee Wee Kirkland and Karlton “Duncan” Hines.
Richard Kirkland, better known as "Pee Wee," was a basketball phenomenon born and raised in the vibrant streets of Harlem, New York. From the age of nine, Pee Wee showcased his basketball prowess, eventually becoming an all-city point guard at Charles Evans Hughes Senior High School. His exceptional skills earned him a scholarship at Kittrell College, where he dazzled audiences with an astonishing average of 41 points per game. Pee Wee's talent continued to shine when he transferred to Norfolk State University, where he played alongside future NBA star Bob Dandridge, leading their team to a CIAA title in 1968.
Fuck it Bob Dandridge highlights
Despite tempting offers from renowned schools like UCLA, Pee Wee chose a different path, setting the stage for a remarkable journey ahead.
Selected by the Chicago Bulls in the 1968 NBA Draft, Pee Wee surprised many by declining the opportunity to play professionally, not once but twice because he was also selected in the 1969 draft as well. Aware of the financial constraints in the NBA during the 1960s, Pee Wee ventured into the drug trade at the age of 13, quickly amassing wealth and success. With a lucrative drug business rumored to be worth $30 million, Pee Wee's decision to forego the NBA seemed rational at the time. However, his involvement in illicit activities caught up with him in 1971 when he was sentenced to 15 years in prison for drug-related conspiracy charges.
Here’s a pic of Pee Wee in prison
During his time behind bars, Pee Wee faced additional legal troubles, including an investigation for tax evasion, leading to an extended prison sentence. However, it was during this period of adversity that Pee Wee underwent a profound transformation. Determined to turn his life around, Pee Wee emerged from prison with a newfound sense of purpose. Teaming up with Nike, he established the "School of Skills," a basketball program aimed at steering young individuals away from the dangers of street life. Pee Wee's journey, characterized by basketball brilliance, criminal entanglements, and eventual redemption, serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the possibility of second chances.
Following his release from prison, Pee Wee dedicated himself to mentoring and coaching young athletes, instilling in them the values of hard work, discipline, and perseverance. In 1997, he became the head basketball coach at Dwight School in New York City, where he continued to share his passion for the game and inspire the next generation. Pee Wee's legacy extends beyond the basketball court, as he remains a symbol of hope and transformation, proving that no obstacle is insurmountable with determination and a commitment to positive change.
Here’s a documentary about Pee Wee Kirkland if you want to know more about the OG
Finally here’s one of the most iconic pictures of Pee Wee in a mag
The next guy is Karlton “Duncan” Hines
Great basketball player turned drug kingpin who was killed by another Bronx “legend” to some people and Murderer to others “Pistol” Pete Rollock on April 8th 1994th one gunshot wound to the head in the Bronx in broad daylight. It was rumored that Pistol Pete (Sex Money Murder blood leader founder) killed one of Hines associates in the Bronx before this situation and knew of Hines very well.
Sex Money Murder is a blood set and one of the original Blood sets apart of UBN created on the east coast. UBN started partically because of prison and how Latino/White gangs would target black gangs.
Shit while I’m at it here’s Larry Davis another Bronx “legend” I’m saying legend because I would like to respect everybody family members while writing. Sleep in peace to the victims as well may god protect you guys. I have no love for murderers at all so let’s be clear
With that said tragic story RIP to all the falling soldiers and families affected by drugs, gun violence, and life in the inner city.
Karlton Hines, emerging from the Melrose Projects in the Bronx, and showcased exceptional basketball talent from a young age.
South Bronx Melrose Houses
At 15, he became a standout player for the Gauchos, a renowned amateur youth program, displaying versatility as both a guard and a post player.
With packed arenas and college coaches vying for his commitment, Hines' skill on the court began to garner widespread attention. Dreaming of playing for Jim Boeheim and the Syracuse Orange, Hines verbally committed to Syracuse during his junior year of high school, a moment marked by a personal visit from Coach Boeheim to the Melrose Houses in the Bronx. I don’t give a shit what nobody say Jim can always come to the cookout. Anybody with the balls to come to the projects in the hood to visit a black kid at that time is a legend
Despite his athletic prowess, Hines faced academic challenges, ultimately opting for the prep route at Maine Central Institute after Manhattan Center High School didn't work out. Did you know Mase and Camron the rappers went to Manhattan Center.
Getting back to Duncan Hines his academic journey was filled with setbacks, leading him back to the Bronx and Stevenson High School. Despite early promise, Hines ultimately abandoned organized basketball for the allure of fast money in the drug trade.
One of the major NBA names who played with Duncan Hines was Kenny Anderson shoutouts to queens
Amidst his struggles, Hines found an opportunity with the Weschester Stallions of the USBL, offering a chance to reignite his basketball career. Despite this, Hines had already left a mark on New York City basketball, notably helping Manhattan Center High School to the 1986 PSAL Championship.
Hines' journey was marked by both triumph and tribulation, with academic setbacks and street life ultimately derailing his promising basketball career. Rumors surfaced regarding his eligibility for college sports was ruined from a false address on a letter allegedly sent by an anonymous college coach who hated on him in my opinion. Hines' legacy lives on, remembered for his undeniable talent and the impact he made on New York City basketball.
Reflecting on Hines' life prompts discussions about the systemic challenges faced by young athletes from marginalized communities, as well as the pervasive influence of street life on promising talent. Despite his untimely demise, Hines' memory remains a cautionary tale, serving as a reminder of the complexities inherent in pursuing athletic dreams in urban environments.
Also shoutouts to Stephen A Smith who likely got his big break writing an article Karlton Hines. Stephen A Smith talked about how he wrote about Karlton Hines back in the 90s and it was covered by ESPN.
I want to Thankyou for reading my article and always remember I’m a basketball fan just like you. I’m human just like you we all bleed the same. I’m not better than you. Nobody will ever believe in you more than you. Godbless and Thankyou for supporting
I cited and shoutouts to
https://www.allthingshoops.com/pee-wee-kirkland-legend-two-games/
https://www.allthingshoops.com/dunkin-hines-the-karlton-hines-story/
Great people
RIP to all the people involved in these stories especially the victims. Peace and blessings and godbless