Fessor Leonard

Fessor Lee Leonard (June 19, 1953 – February 20, 1978) was an American professional basketball player. Nicknamed "Moose", he was a highly sought-after prospect while playing at Carver High School in his hometown of Columbus, Georgia, and was selected as a Parade All-American in 1971. Leonard played college basketball for the Furman Paladins where he was an all-Southern Conference selection and won the conference championship all three years he played. He was selected in the 1975 NBA draft by the Washington Bullets and 1975 ABA draft by the Virginia Squires but difficulties with his agent meant that he was never offered a contract by either team. Leonard instead played professionally for Fortitudo Bologna in Italy and Federale Lugano in Switzerland. He died in Switzerland days after being released by Federale Lugano midway through his first season with the team.

Early life Leonard was born on June 19, 1953, in Columbus, Georgia, to Fessor Leonard Sr. and Betty Ann Mitchell. Carver won the triple-A championship and Leonard was selected to the Parade All-American fourth-team in 1971.

Leonard was described as the most sought-after player in Georgia during his collegiate recruitment. On April 14, 1971, Leonard signed a grant-in-aid with Furman. He was an All-SoCon selection for the three years he played.

Leonard played alongside Clyde Mayes throughout his collegiate career and was considered to often be in the shadow of Mayes. Williams implemented a team-play concept for the Paladins which saw both players sacrifice individual scoring and rebound figures for the team. He played in a Venezuelan summer league for six weeks during June and July which was intended to help him negotiate better with either team. The Bullets claimed that once they did make contact, Leonard and his agent, Irwin Weiner, demanded a no-cut contract which the Bullets refused. Leonard ultimately left Weiner as his agent. He was invited to training camp with the New Jersey Nets in 1977. Bill Melchionni, an assistant with the Nets, explained that the team did not know much about Leonard but invited him so they could have a look.

Leonard moved to Federale Lugano of Switzerland for the 1977–78 season. According to various accounts, the woman was so frightened by Leonard that she either screamed, pushed him away or did both. the criminal complaint was dropped but he suffered from nervous depression after the incident. while the Associated Press considered it an accident. His family believed that he committed suicide. An autopsy found that Leonard died of carbon monoxide poisoning with no trace of prescription or narcotic drugs in his system.

Leonard was buried in Green Acres Cemetery in Columbus.

Personal life Leonard graduated from Furman with a B.S. in political science.