“This is a long time” – Nick Van Exel for his son, who received a 60 -year prison sentence for murder in 2013, initially appeared on the basketball network.
The tragic stories of NBA players are unfortunately not rare.
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For example, in 2000 May Julius Erving lost his child in a fatal accident, and the son of Isiah Thomas was sexually attacked by the past.
Unfortunately, Nick Van Exel also belongs to this list – his son was sentenced to prison for the murder of Bradley Eyo in 2013. February
“It’s a long time” Van Exel said after the verdict for NBC 5 DFW. “I feel bad about the Eyo family. It’s hard. “
From the fraternity to the tragedy
2010 December Then Eyo, 23, was fatally shot, and his body was later found twice over Lake Ray Hubbard, on the eastern edge of Dallas. The authorities found that the killing occurred in the Dallas suburb of Garland.
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The suspect soon appeared: at that time, Nickey Van Exel, a longtime friend of Eyo and the son of former NBA guard Nick Van Exel, who enjoyed a 13 -year -old career with teams, including Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets.
According to the family, they were both inseparable from childhood, lived across the street and came together as brothers. They even participated in 2006. In the NBA finals, between the Miami Heat and the Dallas Mavericks.
“They were about the only guys joyful in Dallas ‘Mavericks’ Recalled van Exel. “It’s dangerous when you go to the arena that delights another team.”
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However, during the trial, it was discussed that their friendship eventually interrupted.
Related: Jamalis Crawford recognizes the praise of Michael Jordan who has changed his NBA career: “The best player ever said you got a game.”
A 60 -year -old sentence
Prosecutors said Nickey was afraid that Bradley would reveal the many robberies they allegedly executed in Houston earlier that year and would offer a possible motive.
Throughout the trial, it was also stated that the history of defense caused serious doubts, and Nickey’s lack of compassion became the main problem.
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However, Nikey claimed that the shooting was accidental, saying they were stupid with a rifle he thought he was loaded. When unimaginable, panic overwhelmed, encouraging him to dispose of Bradley’s body.
“It was not to be afraid, to fear, without knowing what would happen. Panic,” Explained by the junior van Exel.
His father, 1998 NBA All-Star, participated in the trial and stopped on the witness bench.
“I’m very sorry for the Eyo family, I really am. No one would have to survive something like that; no one ‘ He said, praying to his son’s mercy.
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“How many times can I say” I’m sorry “to you guys – I know Nick and then I spoke to him; I really, sincerely, sincerely, I think it was an accident.” Added Nick Quick, who last worked as an assistant to Atlanta Hawks coach.
Despite these statements, the Texas jury eventually admitted Nickey’s guilt.
He accepted responsibility for the murder, but said he was never offered a claim.
“I wanted to take it; they never offered it. It’s a system,” He said.
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Nickey, suitable for parole within 30 years of sentence, shared one clear message to reflect on the tragedy.
“Don’t play with weapons. I would like to start a movement, a non -profit organization for people who have lost their loved ones” He said.
Related: “He doesn’t want none of them to smoke!” – Scottie Pippen remembers how succini supported Charles Oakley
This story was initially reported by the Basketball Network 2025. July 20, where she first appeared.