Most photos measure 8" x 10". Len Bias, one of the greatest players to never play at the professional level, is featured in this incredible photo lot thus immortalizing the young superstar. The images in this collection portray the Maryland forward throughout his collegiate career as well as on draft day where he was selected by the Boston Celtics with the second overall pick in the 1986 NBA draft. Two days after the draft, tragedy struck and Len Bias was found dead as a result of cardiac arrhythmia induced by a cocaine overdose.
On the Reverse: Multiple photographers credited via stamp, hand written descriptions, editor's markings, Holding Charge stamp, Sporting News Collection hologram. (01334)
This image originated directly from the archives of "The Sporting News" and was intended for use in its pages. Designated as a Generation 1 photo, this image was developed directly from the original photographers negative within approximately one to five years of the depicted person/event. In some instances, usually when a date stamp is present, the photograph was developed within a year or even days of the listed event. Photographers included in the collection include Charles Conlon, George Burke, George Brace, William C. Greene, Alex P. Silverberg, and George Dorrill. Some are identified; many are not but were provided by these world class photographers. Unlike standard wire photos, these images were often hand developed by the photographer sent to the Sporting News magazine. Therefore, the result is an actual first generation photographers print -again, not be confused with the more commonly found wire photo image. First major collection to enter the market of exclusive Generation 1 Photos.
News service photos are also included, and in those instances, are identified as such by their respective stampings. Acme Wire Photo, Associated Press, International News, and United Press have provided images to the archives. Reverse images are included for identification purposes. As part of the production process for the newspaper, images may show production notes, photographer's stamps, date codes, and other markings associated with the production of the Sporting News newspaper. In all cases, each selected image is of superior quality, subject matter, clarity, contrast and condition. Each image was archived by the Sporting News and includes the official Sporting News hologram, assuring its origin and provenance. Additional MEARS LOA included with each lot.
(MEARS Auction LOA~SB)