Adrian Payne, who played three seasons for the Timberwolves after a standout career in Michigan State, has died of a gunshot wound at the age of 31.
The Orange County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office released a statement Monday saying delegates responded to reports of a 1:34 a.m. shooting in Orlando. Payne was shot and taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The alleged shooter, 29-year-old Lawrence Dorothy, was arrested on a first-degree murder warrant and taken to Orange County Jail, the sheriff’s office said.
With a 6-10 forward, Penn was a first-round pick (15th overall) of the Atlanta Hawks in 2014 after four seasons at Michigan State, where he was twice an all-Big Ten.
He bounced around the NBA and G-League and then played abroad, winning titles in Greece in 2018 and 2019. He was with Juventus Utena in Lithuania last season.
Payne spent three of his five NBA seasons with the Wolves, trading in Minnesota from 2015 to 2017 for a first-round draft pick from the Hawks, which Atlanta used in 2019 to pick Kevin Hutter for 19th overall. Wolves (24 starts) in 99 games, averaging 4.1 points per foot and 3.1 rebounds.
“We are devastated to learn of Adrian Payne’s death,” the wolf said in a statement. “His family members and friends live in our thoughts and prayers.”
Orlando Magic pardoned Penn in January 2018, when he was part of an ESPN report detailing allegations of sexual harassment against former basketball and soccer players in Michigan State.
He was known in the state of Michigan for his friendship with 8-year-old Lacey Holsworth, a young cancer patient who met him during a hospital visit in 2013. Holworth helped the team cut the net after winning the Big Ten tournament that season. , And died a month later. Payne spoke at her memorial service in 2014. Orlando Magic pardoned Penny in January 2018, as part of a detailed ESPN report alleging sexual harassment of former basketball and soccer players in Michigan State.
He was known in the state of Michigan for his friendship with 8-year-old Lacey Holsworth, a young cancer patient who met him during a hospital visit in 2013. Holworth helped the team cut the net after winning the Big Ten tournament that season. , And died a month later. Payne spoke at her memorial service in 2014.
Michigan State coach Tom Izo also released a statement saying, “[Penny] will long remember Spartan fans for his kind heart, as his friendship and genuine bond with Lacey Hollesworth touched the country. After graduation, Adrian returned to East Lansing regularly. In doing so, he developed and strengthened relationships with players of all ages.
“I’ve heard from many such players today, everyone is experiencing a heart attack and everyone has their own memory of Adrian.”