Bubba Smith's Death Linked to Weight-Loss Drug: L.A. Coroner

Los Angeles County Coroner's officials announced Wednesday that former all-pro football player turned actor and commercial pitchman Bubba Smith died of acute drug intoxication and other conditions.

The autopsy found that Smith, 66, whose body was discovered on Aug. 3 by a caretaker at his Baldwin Hills home, was found to have phentermine, a weight-loss drug, in his system. Coroner's officials said he also had heart disease and high-blood pressure.

Bubba, as he was affectionately known, began his career as a defensive end in the National Football league, playing for the Baltimore Colts in 1967. He played five seasons for the Colts, which included their upset loss to the New York Jets in Super Bowl III and a victory over the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl V.

He transitioned to acting in movies and TV, notably playing Moses Hightower in six Police Academy movies. He also appeared in a number of TV series, including Half-Nelson, Blue Thunder and Good Times.