Mel Turpin dead of apparent suicide

Former Washington Bullet Mel Turpin died today of an apparent suicide at the age of 49 at his home in Lexington, Kentucky. A big man from the University of Kentucky, Turpin was the 6th pick in the 1984 draft by the Bullets, though he was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers before he played a game for Washington. Turpin's career soon fell apart due to injuries, poor performance, and massive weight gain that led to the nickname "Dinner bell Mel" Turpin. He was out of the league before 1990.

Condolence to his family.