GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Former Michigan State University basketball standout Adreian Payne died Monday after being shot in Florida.
The shooting happened around 1:30 a.m. in a neighborhood outside of Orlando, WLNS, WOOD TV8’s sister station in Lansing, confirmed through the Orange County, Florida, Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s office said deputies found Payne with a gunshot wound. He was taken to the hospital, where he died.
The man who shot him stayed at the scene after the shooting and was soon questioned by detectives, the sheriff’s office said. The man, identified as Lawrence Dority, 29, was ultimately arrested for first-degree murder.
Payne, a native of Dayton, Ohio, was 31. He played for MSU for four seasons starting in 2010. As a junior, he was named to the Big Ten second team.
He was drafted in 2014 by the Atlanta Hawks at No. 15 overall and went on to play for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Orlando Magic. The Associated Press reports that during his four seasons in the NBA, he played in 107 games and averaged four points and three rebounds per game.
The Magic waived him in 2018 after an ESPN report revealed he had been accused of sexual assault while at MSU, according to an NBC Sports report. In recent years, he played overseas.
MSU Men’s Basketball head coach released the following statement:
“I’m in shock at the tragic news of Adreian Payne’s death. Our prayers are with his family, teammates and loved ones.
“Adreian was loved by his teammates and coaches, who respected his development as a player and person. He came to Michigan State with a ton of raw talent and put in the work to reach his goal of becoming an NBA player. Beyond that, he will be remembered by Spartan fans for his kind hearts, as hi friendship and genuine bond with Lacey Holsworth touched the nation.
“Today is a difficult and sad day for the Spartan basketball family. Following graduation, Adreian regularly returned to East Lansing. In doing so, he developed and strengthened relationships with players from all eras. I’ve heard from many of those players today, each one experiencing heartbreak, and each one with their own fond memory of Adreian.”
Tom Izzo, head coach of MSU Men’s Basketball
