Yesterday we received the sad news of the death of basketball player Robert Traylor, apparently due to a heart attack.

Robert DeShaun Traylor was born on February 1, 1977 in Detroit, Michigan. His first experience of high-level basketball was at the University of Michigan, where however he was involved in a scandal when it was discovered that several players received money. This led to a federal investigation to determine if it was a case of money laundering.

Meanwhile in 1998 Robert Traylor was picked as sixth overall by the Dallas Mavericks at the draft but he was immediately traded to the Milwaukee Bucks. His career took place in several NBA teams until in 2005 he underwent delicate surgery to correct an aorta problem.

Robert Traylor signed a contract with the New Jersey Nets but he failed the medical examinations so the deal was canceled. At that point Traylor started playing in various leagues around the world starting from Turkey through Italy and Mexico eventually arriving to Puerto Rico.

Robert Traylor played his last game at the end of April. Yesterday he was found dead in his apartment in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico.

Robert Traylor was 6’8″ tall and his weight tended to exceed 300 lbs. Because of his impressive size – he was particularly large – he was nicknamed “Tractor”. Traylor had been having weight problems for years because besides being naturally strong he tended to fatten a lot.

Despite of his size however Robert Traylor has always been described as a gentle giant, always friendly with everyone and that’s why he was an idol of the fans.

This is the reason, besides of course of such a young age, why so many people around the world are mourning the death of Robert Traylor: he wasn’t a super-champion but he’s fondly remembered wherever he played.