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What: “Whatever Happened to Micheal Ray?”

When: Tonight, 10-11, TNT

“Whatever Happened to Micheal Ray?”

As sports questions go, it’s not exactly “Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio?” or “Who’s on first?” Or even “Who’s you’re daddy?”

Still, the lame title could be overcome if this story of Micheal “Sugar” Ray Richardson, narrated by Chris Rock, were a compelling account of an occasionally brilliant NBA career ruined by drug use.

But the viewer is never drawn in by the story. Why should we care about what happened to another athlete who destroyed his career with drugs? Replace the name with Steve Howe or Roy Tarpley, and the reaction is the same--who cares?

It seems as if the producers set out to make a documentary, but little feels real. The opening credits even call it a “story.” And many of the interviews seem scripted.

The show opens with Rock saying: “1978 wasn’t the best time for New York. Back then it was like the whole city was depressed.” Yeah, except for all the Yankee fans celebrating the first of consecutive World Series titles. Later, a video clip of Richardson driving against the Boston Celtics is accompanied by an audio clip of Laker announcer Chick Hearn describing a dribble-drive. That doesn’t exactly enhance the credibility of the show.

“Whatever Happened to Micheal Ray?” would have been better as a five-minute update segment on TNT’s NBA pregame show. It certainly isn’t worth a one-hour special.

But if you really must know: Richardson, 44, claims to be drug-free and is still playing for a second-division team in an Italian league.

You now may watch “Law and Order” without remorse.