Former NAZ Suns assistant found dead in Phoenix, posted farewell video
Jul 10, 2018, 3:35 PM | Updated: 9:41 pm
In this 2001 file photo, UCLA's Billy Knight celebrates after making a shot. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
(AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
PHOENIX — A former UCLA basketball player who once worked in the Phoenix Suns’ organization was found dead early Sunday in downtown Phoenix after posting an apparent farewell video online.
Billy Knight, 39, was a basketball operations assistant for the Northern Arizona Suns of the developmental G League in the 2016-17 season.
The team posted a statement on Tuesday.
A statement from the Northern Arizona Suns. pic.twitter.com/ViERGZG5dY
— Northern AZ Suns (@nazsuns) July 11, 2018
Phoenix police said Knight was located in the roadway in the area of Central Avenue and McKinley Street at 2:45 a.m.
There was no evidence of foul play, police said. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner was working to determine the cause of death.
Earlier Sunday, TMZ reported, Knight posted a six-minute video to YouTube that was an apparent suicide note.
In the video titled “Billy Knight ‘I am Sorry Lord’,” Knight talked to the camera, saying it was his “last message on Earth” and “I can’t continue on.”
He also advised people to seek help if they were suffering.
Phoenix Suns forward Jared Dudley responded on Twitter after learning of Knight’s death.
I’m Speechless bruh! Billy was always laughing and joking with us everyday at the arena! Was always upbeat! RIP 🙏🏼 https://t.co/hfD2FgJVer
— Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) July 10, 2018
Knight, 6-foot-6 guard/forward, played four seasons at UCLA.
In his senior year of 2001-02, he started all 33 games for the Bruins, averaging 14.1 points per game, according to sports-reference.com.
According to the Los Angeles Daily News, Knight played professionally in France and Japan and worked as a basketball skills coach.
If you or anyone you know is suffering with suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-273-8255.
