Michael Ray Richardson was married to his wife, Kimberly, and lived with her in Lawton, Oklahoma, in the years before his passing. The former NBA star was also a father to several children, including a daughter named Tasha from a previous marriage and a son, Amir Richardson, who is now a professional soccer player. His family was a central part of his life during his later years.
The four-time NBA All-Star, known to fans as “Sugar,” had a family life that was sometimes marked by difficulty, which he openly linked to challenges in his personal and professional life. His story is not just one of basketball prowess but also of personal struggle and eventual stability found in family.
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Family and Personal Relationships
Michael Ray Richardson’s journey through family life included multiple marriages. He was previously married to Renee Martin, with whom he had his daughter, Tasha. That marriage ended in divorce, and reports indicate that the split was a deeply difficult period for him. He once described falling into a “dark depression” and anger following the divorce, a struggle that coincided with his battles off the court.
In the latter part of his life, Richardson found more stable ground with his wife, Kimberly Richardson. He settled in Lawton, Oklahoma, where he lived with Kimberly and remained an active member of the local community. His attorney and friend, John Zelbst, highlighted this fulfilling chapter by describing Richardson as an “incredible family man.” This period of his life was a testament to the personal redemption he often spoke about, a theme he explored in his 2024 book, “Banned: How I Squandered an All-Star NBA Career Before Finding My Redemption.”
The NBA mourns the passing of four-time All-Star Michael Ray Richardson. Michael dedicated his post-NBA career to using his life story to teach life skills to young people. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/f3TnT80b81
— NBA (@NBA) November 11, 2025
Richardson’s own childhood was touched by early hardship. He was born in Lubbock, Texas, and was the son of Billy Jack Richardson and Luddie Hicks. His parents’ divorce when he was young left a lasting wound, and he grew up without a strong father figure in his life. This absence was something he felt profoundly throughout his life, though he did form a meaningful, albeit short-term, fatherly connection with his college coach, Jud Heathcote, at the University of Montana.
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His Kids and Their Paths
Richardson’s children have carved their own paths. While less is known publicly about his daughter, Tasha, his son, Amir Richardson, has built a notable career in professional soccer. Amir was born in Nice, France, during the final stages of Michael’s successful basketball career in Europe. Standing at 6’5″, Amir inherited his father’s height but chose a different sporting arena, becoming a defensive midfielder.
Michael Ray took great pride in his son’s accomplishments. He often watched Amir’s games online from his home in Oklahoma and made trips to France to see him play in person. In a 2021 interview, he shared his joy, saying, “This year is a dream come true for me… Just to see your son take these steps… Now see him fulfill his dreams is unbelievable for me. I am so proud of him.” He instilled in Amir the importance of work ethic, advising him that hard work and a level head would allow his talent to shine. Amir’s career has since flourished, and he now plays professionally for Fiorentina in Italy and internationally for Morocco.
Tomorrow, the son of an American is playing against the U.S. in the Olympics.
Moroccan midfielder Amir Richardson is the son of former NBA player Micheal “Sugar” Ray Richardson.
He was born in France to a Moroccan mother when his father was playing basketball there. #USMNT pic.twitter.com/XTQw1dV7vC
— Anthony (@AnthonyKyaw) August 1, 2024
The story of Michael Ray Richardson’s family is one of both turbulence and tenderness. It reflects a life that evolved from the pain of his parents’ divorce and his own marital struggles to finding love and stability with his wife, Kimberly, and celebrating the successes of his kids. His role as a father and husband became a cornerstone of his identity, offering a sense of purpose and fulfillment long after his final buzzer sounded on the basketball court.
