The 'It's Okay (One Blood)' rapper is mourning the sudden passing of his cousin and ex-professional basketball player, who was found dead on Thursday, May 2.
- May 6, 2024
AceShowbiz - Darius Morris' death has hit close to The Game's heart. The Compton rapper and his family are in mourning after the former NBA star and his cousin passed away at the age of 33 on Thursday, May 2.
The 44-year-old spitter took to social media to react to the shocking news. On Saturday, he posted pictures of his late cousin and wrote in the caption, "My family took a blow with this one. Rest well lil cousin."
"You achieved your childhood dreams & did what you always said you would," he added as he shared an image of Darius smiling while walking alongside his former L.A. Lakers teammate Kobe Bryant. He then promised, "We got Auntie Robyn."
The comments section was soon flooded with messages from The Game's fans and friends expressing their condolences. "Prayers up," one person wrote in the comments. Another added, "Sry for ur lost my guy."
Darius' death was confirmed by his family earlier on Saturday. "With great sadness we announce the passing of our dearly beloved son, Darius Aaron Morris," they told TMZ Sports. "During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace."
The cause of death is not immediately known, but Darius' body was discovered on Thursday in the Los Angeles area.
After news of his passing surfaced, his Michigan coach John Beilein wrote on X, formerly Twitter, "Saddened to hear about the passing of former Wolverine Darius Morris." He added, "In 2010-11 Darius was our starting pt gd."
"He was a leader in that program changing 21 win season that laid the foundation for Michigan's next decade of success," John continued. "RIP DMo and condolences to the Morris family."
Also paying tribute to Darrius was the Lakers. "We are heartbroken by the passing of Darius Morris," the team penned on X.
Darius was a four-star recruit out of Windward High School before attending Michigan from 2009-2011. He starred for the Wolverines during his sophomore year, getting named an All-Big Ten Third Team member and winning the program's Bill Buntin Most Valuable Player Award after averaging 15 points and 6.7 assists per game.
The Los Angeles native was selected as the 41st pick in the 2011 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. Darius later spent time with the Philadelphia 76ers, L.A. Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies. The former basketball player closed out his career with the Brooklyn Nets during the 2014-15 season.
