Former UCLA basketball player Billy Knight has passed away. News reports have called his death an apparent suicide.
Phoenix, Arizona police say that Knight’s body was found along a road near a construction site. No evidence of foul play was found.
Ronnie Flores on Twitter
The reports are true: former UCLA / LA Westchester (’97) standout Billy Knight , 39, was found dead in the middle of the night after posting a very disturbing/unfortunate youtube video. @CalHiSports sends our condolences to his family and basketball brothers. #RIPBilly
Knight, 39, played at UCLA from 1998-2002, averaging 14.1 points and 3.5 rebounds per game as a senior. The Bruins went to the NCAA tournament all four of Knight’s seasons under coach Steve Lavin, reaching the regional semifinals in each of his last three years.
The college basketball world is still in shock with the recent deaths of former Bruin Tyler Honeycutt and former Louisville All-American Clifford Rozier.
Lorenzo Mata on Twitter
Sad. Sad. Sad. Rest Easy Billy Knight. Another bruin gone. Another athlete gone. Mental illness IS NOT A JOKE!!! I’m here for EVERYONE who needs to talk. We ALL go through problems. Don’t be AFRAID TO GET HELP!! #awareness #MentalHealthMatters #SpeakUp
After graduating from UCLA, Knight was not selected in the 2002 NBA Draft. He spent some time in the NBA D-League, with the Harlem Globetrotters, and played overseas.
A day before his body was found, Knight recorded a chilling video on YouTube which he titled “I am Sorry Lord.” In it, he says, “I am lost in life and I feel like there is no hope … I just feel like I can’t continue on.”
Billy Knight “I am Sorry Lord”
Forgiveness & Mercy
He urged those suffering with their mental health to seek help.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please get help by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
