Former Knick Meminger Injured In Bronx Fire, Crack Pipes Found

2009_11_knicksdean.jpg As dozens of people remain homeless after a Sunday four-alarm fire destroyed homes in the Claremont section of the Bronx, now fire officials suspect the fire began from a crack pipe—and many crack pipes were found in a room of an SRO rented by former Knicks great Dean "The Dream" Meminger. Meminger, 63, suffered smoke inhalation and is in critical condition at a burn unit in Jacobi Hospital.

WCBS 2 reports, "Neighbors complained that the building where it started is an illegally sub-divided single-room occupancy hotel cited last year by the city for overcrowding. They're also wondering how the former all-American point guard and basketball great ended up at a place like this," with one adding, "I'm saying to myself, 'Why is he living around here?' Hard to believe." The Post gives some possible explanation: "But after 'Dean the Dream' ended his career in 1977 with the Knicks, his world began to teeter as he continued his late-night ways -- a party scene that left him struggling for years with cocaine addiction and alcoholism."

According to the Daily News, "It was not immediately clear whether the pipes belonged to Meminger." Meminger's son, NY1 reporter Dean Meminger Jr., told the paper, "I haven't spoken to investigators. I'm just concerned about his safety... We're praying and just hoping. We're asking New Yorkers, pray for him. He's a great New Yorker."

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Comments (9) [rss]

god, i can be so forgetful at times! my pipes. my bad.

Man, that's very Pryor of him if true.

I feel so bad for his son, who seems like a good egg. NY1 reporters have not been having a good year scandal-wise: first Dominic Carter beating his wife and now Dean Meminger's dad living and being burned in a crack den. Pat Kiernan better stay safe or I will get pissed off.

The NBA should have a foundation that takes care of it's retired players. I think the NFL has one.
I hope Mr. Meminger pulls through.

What? Most of these guys in the '70s made five times what I earn in 2009 money. I think those with an ounce of sense are in a pretty good position to be taking care of themselves.

I think the NFL has something now for retired guys who have been permanently disabled from all the hits they took to the head in their playing days.

What about playing in the NBA requires a foundation to keep you off of crack in your golden years?

maybe something called a pension fund would help.
or healthcare, yes, HEALTHCARE!

he could take away some jobs on the knicks right now, i bet (after resting up for a few days)

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Have we not learned anything from Len Bias?

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