Lenny, Lefty, and the Chancellor [Paperback]

C. Fraser Smith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 15, 1992

Engrossing account of major turning point in college sports--Len Bias's cocaine-induced death.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

YA-- University of Maryland basketball player Len Bias died of a cocaine overdose the day after being picked by the Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association draft of collegiate players. His death drew national attention to the use of drugs in college and professional basketball. Smith recounts not only information previously presented in books and in magazine and newspaper articles, but also offers insights beyond it. He explores the results of this intense scrutiny on the lives of Lefty Driessel, the coach who was forced to resign, and John Slaughter, the chancellor who tried to contain the scandal. This is an excellent account of the investigation into the corruption of sports and sports players as personified by the tragic death of one promising young man. It should have wide appeal to sports fans and beyond.
- Pat Royal, Crossland High School, Camp Springs, MD
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 342 pages
• Publisher: Bancroft Press (January 15, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0963124609
• ISBN-13: 978-0963124609
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #680,783 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #48 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Basketball > College & University

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great account, March 25, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Lenny, Lefty, and the Chancellor (Paperback)

This story was a great account of the turning point of college basketball, in which the view began to shift more towards the personal and academic side of the athlete as opposed to the athletic side. I would read it all over again.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Could have been better, January 4, 2006

By 

Hopkins 2001 (Severn, MD USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lenny, Lefty, and the Chancellor (Paperback)

This book provides a good chronicle of the events leading to and immediately following the Len Bias tragedy. Where it falls short is in its glowing portrayal of a certain University Chancellor, who prior to the tragedy knew full well what was going on in the Athletic Department, but after the tragedy pinned all responsibilty on others. This has come to light in the years following the publication of this book. In this respect the book missed the mark.

4.0 out of 5 stars Before Penn State, November 18, 2011

By 

JSmalls - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lenny, Lefty, and the Chancellor (Paperback)

This is a terrific book. Smith covers the story of Maryland and its basketball program from all angles -- political, societal, and educational. In particular, his profiles of Lefty Driesell, Len Bias, and Bob Wade are as complete as anything in print and his insights are, surprisingly, still relevant given what has happened in subsequent years at Baylor and Penn State.

This is the second work I've read by Smith. I also read his political biography on William Donald Schaefer. Both works are generally well-sourced and richly detailed. Anyone interested in Baltimore or Maryland history should read them.