He was not the team’s star player, nor did he lose a son; rather, he himself was fatally shot on May 9, 2022. Here’s a clearer, more accurate recounting
On May 9, 2022, former Michigan State standout and ex-Orlando Magic forward Adreian Payne, aged 31, was shot at approximately 1:30 a.m. at a residence on Egret Shores Drive in east Orlando .
Payne had gone to the home of 29-year-old Lawrence Dority, presumably to help with a domestic dispute. During the encounter, Dority said he felt threatened by Payne’s 6ʹ10″ stature and perceived a threat—though no weapon was found with Payne .
Dority stayed on the scene and was arrested, later charged with first-degree murder .
A dominant force at Michigan State, he earned back-to-back All-Big Ten honors and helped lead the Spartans to the NCAA Elite Eight .
Selected 15th overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2014 NBA Draft, he also played for Minnesota and Orlando, appearing in 107 total NBA games (just 5 of those with Orlando in 2017–18) .
After his NBA career, he played overseas in China, Greece, Turkey, France, and Lithuania .
Payne was known for his big heart and compassion—a prime example was his friendship with 8‑year‑old cancer patient Lacey Holsworth; his participation in her memorial drew widespread attention .
Michigan State coach Tom Izzo and others described him as caring and highly respected; Izzo called it a “difficult and sad day” for Spartan Nation .
The Orlando Magic released a statement expressing how “saddened” they were, noting his time with both their NBA and G League teams .
No current Magic star’s son was murdered.
The homicide involved Adreian Payne himself, in 2022.
There was no mention of a victim’s child in this case.
