He died Caleb Swanigan, a former NBA basketball player, at the age of 25 “due to natural causes”, according to the US site TMZ. This young ex-athlete had made the news last year when he was attacked in the networks for the change that his body suffered when he left basketball.
A native of Indiana and pride of that area of the United States, consecrating himself with an interstate championship at Purdue University, Swanigan was chosen in the first round of the 2017 Draft by the Portland Trail Blazer and then played for the Sacramento Kings until 2020. , during the coronavirus pandemic, he put an end to his fledgling career to dedicate himself to music.
His brief stint in the best basketball in the world came after averaging 22.6 points and 13.7 rebounds per game in his senior season, figures that were complemented by his imposing 2.06 meters tall, which earned him the nickname “Biggie”.
While playing for the Blazers, Swanigan graduated from Purdue, where he earned a BA in History of Education. His life went far beyond the basketball courts: in 2019 he fronted a fundraiser for the homeless and threw himself into music.
Caleb Swanigan, in his days as a young hopeful from Portland.
The end of his career
In mid-2020, when the NBA put together an anti-covid bubble in Orlando to continue the season, Caleb decided not to be part of the team. For personal motivesand that earned him not to play basketball professionally again.
A few months later, he was arrested at a police checkpoint and found 1.5 kilos of marijuana: He was released on bail and charged with possession, a misdemeanor.
In May 2021, a year after his retirement from the NBA, a photo of Caleb went viral on the networks. There he was seen with another physique, with more than 60 kilos above his body while he was performing in high competition. Many worried about his health, others just made fun of him.
Caleb Swanigan, a year after leaving basketball. Photo: Instagram.
Swanigan responded to criticism and memes with a strong message: “When the media is in your life, ignore them. I am a full-time father figure with financial resources for my children.” When you’re right, they hate you, I assure you. All I’m going to say I’m happy,” he posted on Instagram.
After basketball Caleb dedicated his life to social work and musicwhere under the nickname Slyy5jackk He showed his facet as a rapper, composing songs like “Thoughts/THOTS” or “My Life” in 2021.
Repercussions in the NBA
Today his death fills the NBA environment with pain, and among the figures who expressed himself is his former teammate Damian Lillard. “Rest in peace,” he wrote.
Lillard had come out in defense of Biggie when last year he pointed out the changes in his body and attacked him online. “If you’re going to post this with real concern, fine. But don’t ask ‘how did he get from this to this?’ He’s clearly having personal problems,” Lillard said.
Damian Lillard’s message in defense of Caleb Swanigan. Photo: Twitter.
The Trail Blazers also dedicated a message to him on their networks: “We are heartbroken by the passing of former Trail Blazers player Caleb Swanigan. Our thoughts and prayers are with family, friends and everyone who loved Caleb. Rest in peace.” peace, Biggie.”
But where the departure of the 25-year-old giant struck the deepest was at Purdue, his university, where he perhaps lived his happiest moments as an athlete.
“Devastated. The world lost a gentle soul last night. We love you Biggie,” they wrote.
