Marvin Bad News” Barnes was considered a future Hall of Fame basketball player before he even graduated from college. A standout at Providence College (where he averaged 20.7 points and 17.9
rebounds per game), he was an All-American with the world at his fingertips.
Although Barnes had a successful two years in the ABA (winning the ABA Rookie of the Year Award), his career fizzled in the NBA, and his immaturity, as well as a long battle with drugs and
alcohol, turned a potential great into a has-been,” or even a never was.”
Written by Mike Carey, who opened his house to Barnes later in his life, this is the story of a promising athlete who couldn’t catch a break. Every time it seemed that Bad News” had turned
the corner, his demons reappeared and knocked him off the wagon.
On September 8, 2014, Barnes finally lost his battle when he passed away of acute cocaine and heroin intoxication. He was sixty-two years old.
With stories and quotes from Moses Malone, Mike D’Antoni, and many others who crossed paths with Barnes, as well as a foreword from former Spirits announcer Bob Costas,Marvin Bad News”
Barnes is the story of a wasted talent who could never defeat his inner demons.
