Former Cavaliers player Richard Jefferson retires from NBA after 17 seasons

Posted: Oct 13, 2018 / 07:45 PM EDT / Updated: Oct 13, 2018 / 07:45 PM EDT

CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 26: Richard Jefferson #24 of the Cleveland Cavaliers poses for a portrait during media day at Cleveland Clinic Courts on September 26, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

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CLEVELAND — Former Cleveland Cavaliers player Richard Jefferson announced his retirement from the NBA.

This comes just three weeks after his father was killed in a drive-by shooting outside a liquor store in Compton, California.

Jefferson shared a heartfelt message on Instagram Saturday night saying,

“In the last month I’ve dealt with two life changing events back to back. My decision to move on from basketball and the tragic passing of Big Rich. The support of my family and friends have been huge.”

In the post Jefferson shares a video of his father dancing and singing after preparing a barbecue for 20 people.

View this post on Instagram

Well here’s my first post! In the last month I’ve dealt with two life changing events back to back. My decision to move on from basketball and the tragic passing of Big Rich. The support of my family and friends have been huge. This video was taken after he bbq’d for about 20 people, something he would do a few times every summer. All I would do is tell people that I was having people over to my house and the next question was “Is Big Rich on the grill?” He really was a true OG. I’m going to miss all his one-liners, his cooking and his ability to make a whole room laugh. Until next time!!!! #RIPPLAYAPLAYA #tripleOG PAPA REALLY WAS A ROLLING STONE!!! 😂😂✊🏽

A post shared by Richard Jefferson (@richardajefferson) on Oct 13, 2018 at 9:13am PDT

Jefferson adds,

“He really was a true OG. I’m going to miss all his one-liners, his cooking and his ability to make a whole room laugh. Until next time!!!! #RIPPLAYAPLAYA #tripleOG PAPA REALLY WAS A ROLLING STONE!!! “

Jefferson played in the league for 17 seasons and was a member of 8 NBA teams.

He was a member of the Cavaliers’ 2016 championship team. The team traded Jefferson to the Atlanta Hawks in 2017.