Mike Sweetney, the 6-foot-8 forward who starred at Georgetown and was taken ninth overall in the 2003 NBA Draft, died at the age of 43.
"With the heaviest hearts, we are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Michael," she wrote. "To know Mike Sweetney was love to him. No one loved him more and he loved no one more than his family. His children were the light of his life, and he lived every day to give them the best life possible. He’s been my best friend for 30 years and my husband for almost 20."
What was the cause of death? None was listed. The New York Post reports that his wife had recently "set up a Go Fund Me that simply said, 'God Bless and thank you,' with a goal of $10,000."
Sweetney played two seasons for the Knicks before
he was dealt to the Chicago Bulls in the deal that got New York Eddy Curry and Antonio Davis. He played two more seasons for the Bulls. He later coached at Yeshiva University in Manhattan.
A Facebook post from Michael Sweetney’s wife about his passing.
— Stefan Bondy (@SbondyNBA) September 17, 2026
Terrible news. Great guy and a big heart. pic.twitter.com/hJ3tsXKJ9Q
The basketball word mourned the death of Mike Sweetney
The Knicks are saddened to hear about the passing of Michael Sweetney.
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) September 17, 2026
Michael was an incredible person who will be missed by many. Our thoughts are with his family. pic.twitter.com/T071Ie4SnL
I am devastated to learn of the passing of Mike Sweetney.
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) September 17, 2026
His heart was as big as his personality and he gave the organization I work with @SameHere_Global the gift of his mental health story to help save the lives of others.
What he did beyond the court is his true legacy. pic.twitter.com/Xx2lGRLWZr
The world lost a giant today. I lost a close friend. The basketball world lost a beloved star. Our Jewish community lost an ally and someone who knew exactly how to show up.
— Elliot Steinmetz (@elliotsteinmetz) September 17, 2026
Mike Sweetney wasn’t just a friend. He was family. When you needed him, he was there. Always. You didn’t… pic.twitter.com/mwRh9UQgjA
Prayers to the family of Georgetown men’s basketball alum Michael Sweetney.
— Georgetown Hoops (@GeorgetownHoops) September 17, 2026
He will be missed - forever a Hoya.#HoyaSaxa pic.twitter.com/LgStmOw5Q5
This article originally appeared on For The Win: What happened to Mike Sweetney? What we know about ex-NBA forward
