“Adreian was harmless,” Green said. “He was an incredible person. He cared about people more than he cared about himself. When I say harmless, he lost his life wanting to help someone. Adreian arrived to help a friend that was dealing with a domestic dispute.”
Payne was called by his girlfriend as she responded to help keep peace between a friend and the friend’s boyfriend, who now is accused of murder.
According to court records, Payne came to an Orlando townhouse early Monday to help his girlfriend.
Payne’s girlfriend told Orange County Sheriff’s deputies she was asked to come to the townhouse by a friend, who is dating the suspected shooter, Lawrence Dority, according to Orange County court documents.
Green and Payne played together for two seasons (2010-12) for the Spartans. Green was two years ahead of Payne in school. They were starters together in the 2011-12 season, Green’s senior season and Payne’s sophomore season, when the Spartans finished 29-8 and won the Big Ten championship.
“Adreian was such a joy to be around,” Green said. “Always great energy, funny, hilarious. We all called him ‘Big Player.’ Every time, he’d see us or see someone, he’d say, ‘What’s up, player?’ He’d say, ‘These are my little players.’ ’”
In a postgame press conference after a 101-98 victory against the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday, Green promised to donate $100,000 to fund a memorial to Payne. He wants there to be a display at Michigan State for Payne’s children to see when they get older. He also wants to raise money for those two children.
“They can walk in there,” Green said, “and they can be proud and know that their dad left and he will never be forgotten.”
.@Money23Green pays tribute to Adreian Payne 💚 pic.twitter.com/88Yk6Z9Nz0
— The Volume (@TheVolumeSports) May 10, 2022
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