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The NBA received very sad news this morning, when reports came out that former NBA player Rasual Butler was killed along with his wife in a car crash early on Wednesday.
Rasual played on the Clippers from 2009-2011, and started all 82 games for the Clippers in the 2009-2010 season at small forward. It was the season where he received the most minutes per game of his career, and he rewarded the Clippers with almost 12 points per game.
Rasual was a journeyman, playing on 8 teams over 13 seasons, but was beloved wherever he went, if the testimonials by former teammates today on Twitter are anything to go by. He was a scrappy player who always worked hard, consistently making rosters over younger players who were favored to get the spot. In the 2012-2013 season he wasn’t signed by an NBA team at age 33, but instead of giving up on his NBA dream, he went to the (then) D-League, and won the Impact Player of the Year Award. He last played for the Spurs in the 2015-2016 season, and participated in the semi-pro Big 3 league this past summer.
Here is the TMZ story reporting on his death. I added some of the best testimonials to Rasual below, as well as the Clippers official statement. RIP to Rasual and his wife Leah, and thoughts and prayers to their family and friends.
You could walk into the #Spurs locker room before the game... sometimes, Sual would be the only one sitting in there. Would talk for 30 mins if you needed him to....about anything...basketball, family, hip-hop...or days in Philly...Just a good brother! RIP Sual pic.twitter.com/PcG7Hv7guM
— Jabari Young (@JabariJYoung) January 31, 2018
Damn this one hurts! RIP Rasual Butler & his wife Leah. Sounds so cliche, but Rasual was really one of the good ones!!
— Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) January 31, 2018
I can stop crying right now. RIP Rasual and Leah. I was just with you both a few days ago. Such beautiful people. Life is so precious.
— Roger Mason Jr (@MoneyMase) January 31, 2018
Devastated to hear the news about the passing of my former teammate, Rasual, & his wife. My thoughts and prayers go out to their families during this difficult time. Rasual was an amazing teammate and an even better person. He will truly be missed!
— Lamarcus Aldridge (@aldridge_12) January 31, 2018
The L.A. Clippers are deeply saddened by the loss of Rasual Butler and his wife, Leah LaBelle. Rasual will long be remembered not only for his accomplishments on the court, but for his vibrant personality, positive outlook and the compassion he had for everyone around him. pic.twitter.com/Hti86knOXa
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) January 31, 2018