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Former Maverick Roy Tarpley dead at 50

By Robby Sabo

Jan 12, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; A view of the Dallas Mavericks logo before the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Grizzlies 104-83. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; A view of the Dallas Mavericks logo before the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Grizzlies 104-83. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Former Dallas Mavericks big-man Roy Tarpley has passed away at the way too young age of 50.

The Dallas Mavericks first-round pick in the 1986 NBA Draft, Roy Tarpley, has passed away at the age of 50. He died on Friday afternoon at Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital.

There has been no official release on cause of death.

According to the Dallas Morning News, several members of the Mavericks‘ traveling party that headed to Los Angeles for their game against the Clippers on Saturday received word that liver failure was partly to blame.

Tarpley was a talented, yet troubled individual.

The 6-foot-11 center/power forward was the seventh-overall pick back in ’86 out of Michigan. His rookie year saw modest stats and playing time though he did make the all-rookie team. In 1988 he was named the sixth-man of the year as he averaged 13.5 points and 11.8 rebounds per game.

It wasn’t until his fifth year in the league in which he poured in over 20 points a game (20.4 including 7.8 rebounds) where he came into his own as a stud player. Unfortunately, that 1990-91 season was his last for three seasons as the league suspended him due to numerous substance-abuse issues.

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During the 1989-90 season he was arrested for driving while intoxicated and resisting arrest which prompted a league suspension. During the 90-91 season he again was arrested for another DWI and failed his third drug test.

After three long seasons being away from the game, in 1994 he was reinstated and returned to Dallas. However, after he violated the terms of his aftercare program, he was yet again terminated. He only played 55 games in that final season, and was only 30-years old.

Via the Dallas Morning News:

"“If Roy had stayed healthy, he could have been one of the top 50 players ever,” said Brad Davis, the Mavericks’ radio analyst and player-development coach who played with Tarpley. “He could do it all, shoot, score, rebound, pass and defend. We’re all sorry to hear of his passing.”"

It was obvious that Tarpley never had an issue fitting in on the highest of levels in basketball. His talent could never be argued.

It was his personal battles that plagued his career and his life.

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