In 2001, Williams authored a book about basketball entitled Loose Balls. On February 14, 2002, 55-year-old limousine driver Costas "Gus" Christofi was shot and killed at Williams's estate in Alexandria Township, New Jersey. Somebody just got shot, the caller said in a recording of the report heard on, Officers arrived at the scene at the home of, Individuals at the estate directed police to an upstairs bedroom. Due to consistently poor results, as well as its presence in tough markets, the Storm failed to make much of an impression and it became defunct before the start of the 2006 season. His playing style led Williams to be benched during crucial periods of some games. The firearm was located a good distance away from him, investigators said. Williams enjoyed a successful NBA career with the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Nets from 1990 to 1999, when a leg injury forced his retirement. [30] Young was a cast member of VH1's reality TV show Basketball Wives: LA. WHAT HAPPENED TO JASON WILLIAM'S STAR SON?! Now that I think about it, it wasnt easy, but back then it was the right thing to do, Williams told DJ Vlad in a 2019 interview. Williams finished his NBA career in the top 100 in assists and 3-pointers, yet was snubbed as an all-star every year. In 2006, Williams won an NBA championship as the starting point guard for the Miami Heat. When he was 13 years old, his older sister Linda was mugged and stabbed multiple times by a neighborhood junkie. "I did it so you all wouldn't ask me to ever do it again", Williams said. Williams was the principal owner of the New Jersey Storm of the National Lacrosse League (NLL). I had to wake up every morning from Jamaica Queens and drive my son to Manhattan and then beat the traffic back. On February 14, 2002, Williams shot and killed his limousine driver, Costas Gus Christofi. The fatal shooting occurred February 14, 2002, in the bedroom of Williams' New Jersey estate. He was the seventh overall selection in the 1998 NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings. The witnesses were all given immunity for their cooperation and agreed to testify in court. In 2000, he married Tanya Young and together they had two daughters. In 2012, Williams published a second book, an autobiography entitled Humbled ~ Letters From Prison. That wasnt what made him feel fulfilled in life. The victim was limousine driver Costas Gus Christofi, 55, of Washington, New Jersey. [27] Orlando was also located just south of Gainesville, where he had gone to college. Well-known as the former professional basketball point guard in the NBA, Jason Williams has devoted twelve years in the league. In 1996, Williams proposed during halftime of a nationally televised basketball game to model Cynthia Bailey. Jayson Williams (born February 22, 1968) is an American former professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 11 seasons, primarily with the New Jersey Nets. There, over the course of several weeks, he will be photographed, DNA samples will be taken, and he will be given medical, dental, psychological and educational evaluations, she said. Williams sat down with "TODAY" to discuss his addiction journey. "He has flash and pizazz. He was never criminally charged in either case. He also played in all 14 of their playoff games, as the Magic advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they lost to the Boston Celtics in six games. They were able to confirm thatChristofi hadnt relapsed. Curtis showed up with, What would Jesus do? and Charles showed up with an aluminum baseball bat, Williams told The Post in a hour-long phone interview. Once you can overcome that one, you can usually face about anything.. He pled guilty to aggravated assaultin 2010 and served a 27-month prison sentence. However, after he was banged up behind bars, his life became even more of a nightmare. He was eligible for parole in 18 months. Hes had all the money in the world and everything: cash, fame, money, power. "[There is] nothing I can do or say to bring Mr. Christofi back," Williams said in the interview. These players included: Steve Nash, Stephon Marbury, Vince Carter, Steve Francis, and Kobe Bryant. [20][21] On the entire experience, Williams said in a 2012 interview with ESPN: "I truly don't want to see anybody cause any more pain to anybody. Members of Williams's NBA charity basketball team were present at the scene. Christofi was pronounced dead at 3:28 a.m. And that reason could be that Segel is being held internet-hostage by Canadian YouTuber, Noah Maloney a.k.a. Jayson Williams said he was "being a coward" on the night he shot his limo driver to death and tried to cover it up out of "selfishness.". At Rebound, after adventure therapy and lunch, clinicians take over. Williams was a kid of his own who had just signed with St. Johns and he found himself with two young children. "[43], Williams has a number of tattoos, which include a panther on his right arm, a dragon on his left arm (which was redone in the 200708 season), an eye on his chest of which he said, "It's why I pass so good, I have a 3rd eye". And I don't want to see anybody in a cage, man. [25] On August 19, 2009, Williams signed with the Orlando Magic. Jayson in that split second concocted that Gus killed himself.. There are things he can teach about skill development, developing offensive passing lanes, monitoring defensive passing lanes, left-hand handles and passing, court vision, court awareness, clock awareness, moving defenders with his body, pass fakes, and his eyesjoy and passion for making team mates better. Sign up now to learn about This Day in History straight from your inbox. Williams started his career with the Sacramento Kings being drafted 7th overall in the 1998 draft out of Florida. Williams says he was not bothered by the nicknamed and continued on with his career playing at a high level. A longtime fan of j-will (Sacramento, CA) I might be the only fan to get the same dragon tattoo on the left arm and the panther on the right. On February 25, Williams was charged with second-degree reckless manslaughter, as well as other charges related to tampering with evidence.Shortly thereafter, Williams was released on bail, but the investigation remained ongoing. (CNN) -- Former New Jersey Nets star Jayson Williams was sentenced to five years in prison Tuesday for the fatal shooting of his limo driver in 2002. Feb. 9, 2013. Williams allegedly jumped into a swimming pool to clean himself, changed clothes, wiped down the shotgun and repositioned it. [1][2] Early life[edit] Williams was born in Ritter, South Carolina, to Elijah Joshua "EJ" Williams and Barbara Williams. Williams' father, Elijah Joshua Williams, died of a stroke at the age of 76 in November 2009. Early in his career, Williams built a reputation for an unorthodox "street" style of play. [35] The rest of the season was fully guaranteed, with a player option for the second year of the contract. Make sure to check out my channel for the other videos like thsi one, and Like, Subscribe, and Comment who you'd like to see "Where They Are Now" nextThanks . We had to take all the mirrors out of the house because she was deformed in her face because he broke the hammer over her face by hitting her so many times. Williams then lost his other sister. The witness said that this happened at 2:15 am about 45 minutes before the 911 call came in at 2:54 a.m. "Forty-five minutes is a long time, but that's how long it took for them to get their stories together, said Errickson. (Jonathan Newton/The Washington Post) Just a few weeks ago, Ohio State quarterback C.J . [book 2] The book includes revelations about being abused as a child. Williams ended up serving 27 months in prison and is now a recovery advocate and the founder of a recovery program called Rebound at Futures Recovery Health Care in Florida. In the first year of his massive contract extension, Williams broke his right leg in a collision with Stephon Marbury. But Im not a good father.. That further supported the theory that the crime scene had been tampered with before authorities arrived. We wont send you spam. He admitted to often starting the fights and said it hadn't been "a cakewalk" inside. "That's the biggest prison and the toughest prison I've ever been in." His forced retirement at 32 lost the NBA player millions and ended his future career dreams. "I go see them when I can, and it's great to see their faces light up!"[45]. FROM "WHITE CHOCOLATE JR." TO?. He'd been assigned to drive Williams and his party. It was one of the Memphis basketball signee's first public appearances since he pleaded not guilty to six felony gun charges on April 20. Afterward, the group, including four members of the Harlem Globetrotters, went back to Williams' home. Somebody just got shot, the caller said in a recording of the report heard on Accident, Suicide or Murder, airing Saturdays at 8/7c on Oxygen. Williams, who retired in 1999 because of a leg injury, played nine seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Nets. Williams stripped. The AP reports that during a 1992 Chicago bar brawl with Charles Barkley, Williams smashed a "beer mug" over a man's head. There are peoples lives literally being saved, and Ive spoken to some of them. [citation needed] With his risky play, he was turnover-prone at times: in his second and fourth years, he peaked at over 3.5 per game. I can get away with it this time. By doing these different activities, they are able to go home and find some sort of outlet.. DURHAM, N.C. Jay Williams had a dream. (CNN) -- Former New Jersey Nets star Jayson Williams was sentenced to five years in prison Tuesday for the fatal shooting of his limo driver in 2002. [3] His mother Barbara worked for years at Gouverneur skilled nursing facility in lower Manhattan. His teammates get a chance to know him daily. What you just said could not be said any better. Six years passed while both sides prepared for a second trial. Then came the game-changers who continue to play huge roles in Williams recovery. USE OF THIS SITE CONSTITUTES ACCEPTANCE OF OUR TERMS OF USE AND PRIVACY POLICY. After inspecting the room in which he was found, they also questioned why it was filled with so many loaded firearms in unlocked cabinets. Police learned that Williams invited his guests to see his gun collection. Calkins was critical of the Grizzlies' lackadaisical play and had alleged that Williams did not care about winning basketball games. To most of the people that come, Im a warning or an example, Williams said. Its hard to imagine anyone going through what Williams endured in his younger days, but he still managed to find a way to become a top-notch father. Hed been assigned to drive Williams and his party. [28], A third book, Crashing: A Memoir, was published in December 2018. "I just try to live right and let the pieces fall where they may. "If there was, I would do it. His life was on track, so investigators questioned why he would've. After inspecting the room in which he was found, they also questioned why it was filled with so many loaded firearms in unlocked cabinets. The heartbreak, pressure, and "an incident" with his uncle spelled the beginning of the 17-year-old's addiction. He hadnt been drinking or partying, according to a number of witnesses. Williams pleaded guilty to aggravated assault on January 11, 2010. Most people may never get to know the heart Jayson has because most people know him as the NBA player who had that incident, Martin said. For example, in the 2000 NBA Playoffs, Williams sat out most of the fourth quarter in all five games against the Los Angeles Lakers. It is also where he developed his love and passion for the basketball game. USA Today named Williams the West Virginia Player of the Year in 1994. He got a bottle. Two decades ago, NBA teams believed in building around big men. [11], In his rookie year, the Kings, with a roster that included newcomers Williams, Chris Webber, Vlade Divac, and Peja Stojakovi, turned into a playoff contender. Investigators leaned on the witnesses in the home by filing obstruction of justice charges. For example, he played on two teams in Memphis that only won 28 and 23 games in consecutive years. In the early morning hours of February 14, 2002, a panicked 911 call was made from a residence in quiet Hunterdon County, New Jersey. "Not because I'm a tough guy," Williams admitted, wiping away tears. And I think now what hes doing, I dont think he would trade for anything., The best insights from the ultimate insiders. Find History on Facebook (Opens in a new window), Find History on Twitter (Opens in a new window), Find History on YouTube (Opens in a new window), Find History on Instagram (Opens in a new window), Find History on TikTok (Opens in a new window), Current one is: May 1. The NBA does not release details of violations of the anti-drug program. My second sister, Sissy, she started trying to help my sister, soothe her, and started doing drugs with my sister, who got hooked on heroin before all the painkillers they were giving her, he said. I have seen a part of Jayson that he would love for the world to get to know. White chocolate was a walking bucket@55buckets pic.twitter.com/UFnGToGaA1, White Bball Pains (@WhiteBballPains) December 19, 2020. He had one legal mess after another. In January 2004, the high-profile trial began. The incident, though it was a tragedy, forced Jayson to become more vulnerable and more transparent, Martin said. The facility, which is accredited by the state through Futures, provides help for substance abuse and mental health issues. Williams frequently references his late father, E.J., and some of the folksy logic and advice (If you wake up and think you know it all, youve got a problem) he imparted. The only accolade I give myself in my whole life is that my kids only missed five days of school and I got my degree in four years.. Though he had several brushes with the law, Williams was better known for his affable demeanor and off-the-court charity and youth work, and was widely praised for taking in his nephews after two of his sisters died of AIDS. Williams was giving Christofi a tour of his mansion when the former Nets player was showing a shotgun that he thought was unloaded but that went off and killed Christofi. I go home and see my kids and my wife and I'm OK. All of this [stuff] is secondary to me."[19]. Jason Chandler Williams (born November 18, 1975) is an American former professional basketball player who was a point guard in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for twelve seasons during the late 1990s and 2000s. He became a well-received NBA studio commentator for NBC, but that job evaporated after Christofis death. The date of that life-changing encounter was Dec. 26, 2015. Williams takes part, does another gym session then goes to bed around 8:30. The jury was unable to reach a verdict on reckless manslaughter, the second most serious charge. "I was the one who helped broker the deal this summer", O'Neal said (in 2005) of the five-team, 13-player trade that brought Williams to Miami. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. It's a bit of a sad time for Regency romance lovers and Jane Austen fans, as Sanditon Season 3 has now come to an end. Get ALL the latest NBA news straight to your inbox! The way he does things with the ball is incredible to me. Get the latest NFL news on Jameson Williams. There were multiple examples of reckless conduct with mishandling firearms, said Errickson. Its rise and yawn daily at 3:30 a.m., drive to the gym for a workout that starts at 4:04 (not 4:00 or 4:05). According to The Smoking Gun, he shot his limo driver dead in February 2002. On February 17, Williams attorney told the press that what occurred was a tragic accident, said Errickson. At 29, he signed a $90 million six-year contract (per Sportscasting ). Jaxon, who is 17 years old, is now following in his father's footsteps and is playing basketball and baseball in the college league. He joined Rashard Lewiss 3 Headed Monsters team, but he injured his knee in the very first game of the season and never returned. . Upon entering the Manhattan hotel room police said that Williams was visibly intoxicated, and that empty bottles of prescription medications were found around the room. It reminds me of, like, schoolyard street ball when I go to Chicago. After sentencing, he will be taken to the Central Reception and Assignment Facility in Trenton, New Jersey, said Corrections Department spokeswoman Deirdre Fedkenheuer. Create your free profile and get access to exclusive content. And now he was sequestered at a cabin in the Catskills, drinking himself into oblivion. They found that the gun had been wiped clean. [29] The couple divorced in 2011. 2 Grizzlies, Celtics-76ers first look: What could decide the battle of East heavyweights, Pregame chats, language arts and 'a lot of fines': Inside NBA player-ref dynamics. One person finally cameforward. Six years passed while both sides prepared for a second trial. Williams finished his NBA career in the top 100 in assists and 3-pointers, yet was snubbed as an all-star every year. In 1994, he allegedly shot at a truck in a parking lot and was charged with "reckless endangerment and weapons possession," as reported byThe New York Times. [13], On February 28, 2001, Williams allegedly shouted racist slurs to Michael Ching, a Golden State Warriors season ticket-holder, and to several other Asian Americans seated beside Ching during a Warriors game at the Oakland Arena. [5] After sitting out the 199697 season as required by the NCAA transfer rule, he became the starting point guard for the Florida Gators men's basketball team during the 199798 season, and set a Florida Gators single-game record with 17 assists in a December 3, 1997 game against Duquesne. Only that wouldnt be the last time wed hear from him. Officers arrived at the scene at the home of former New Jersey Nets basketball star Jayson Williams.Individuals at the estate directed police to an upstairs bedroom. Almost every point guard in the league could benefit from watching him play, and listening to what he sees when he sees it. Williams took over full-time care of his niece and nephew. The fatal shooting occurred in the bedroom of Williams home. Relating specifically to the shooting incident, Williams went on to say "I struggle with the loss of lives. [13], On April 21, 2006, a Hunterdon County appeals court ruled that Williams could be retried on a reckless manslaughter charge stemming from the shooting death of Christofi. Detectives tested the weapon for fingerprints. 1 in draft", "His Game, and Name, Create Stir; Jason (White Chocolate) Williams Sets Off Debate on Stereotypes", "Nike jumps as white star falls from grace", "Grizzlies' Williams fined $10,000 for berating media", "Walker to Heat in five-team, 13-player megadeal", "Clippers reach terms with free-agent guard Williams", "Clippers Guard Jason Williams Announces Retirement After 10 Year NBA Career", "Stan Van Gundy sees similarities between Jason Williams and Rafer Alston", "Jason Williams could be activated for Magic's season opener", "Wizards vs. Magic - Box Score - October 28, 2010", "Hurting Jason Williams won't accompany Magic on road trip, career could be in jeopardy", "Magic Waive Jason Williams | Orlando Magic", "Jason Williams back with Grizzlies to pen a new ending", "Grizzlies' Jason Williams Announces Retirement After 12 Years", "Jason Williams, Rashard Lewis Join 3 Headed Monsters of BIG3 League", "Jason Williams to miss rest of Big3 season after suffering knee injury", "Do you like White Chocolate Basketball? The Nets star Wednesday morning claimed ESPN analyst Jay Williams lied on national television about an apparent encounter they had at a holiday party years. [8] The following day, Williams underwent career-ending surgery in which a plate and five screws were inserted into his leg. On February 25, Williams was charged with second-degree reckless manslaughter, as well as other charges related to tampering with evidence. Everybody thinks they're so tough and they can go to jail. You can navigate days by using left and right arrows. After dinner, Christofi drove them all back to the Williams'65-acre New Jersey estate.Christofi, who was born in Cyprus and called Gussy by loved ones, was invited in. Those who have the opportunity to and are interested, I would like for them to get to know Jayson because hes pretty dynamic.. Only time will tell, but we know that anything is possible with a man once known as The Greatest Show On Court.. The men in the house included then 33-year-old Williams, an ex-ballplayer well-liked in this community, his half-brother Victor Santiago, who was the person who called 911, four of the ballplayers friends, and four Harlem Globetrotters. He spent 18 months in prison, and he was released April 13, 2012. The 6-foot-9, 240-pounder definitely didnt make an impact right away. On May 1, 2002, former NBA All-Star Jayson Williams was indicted on a series of charges, including aggravated manslaughter, in connection with the shooting death of limousine driver Costas Christofi at Williams estate on February 14. Due to his style of play, he was given the nickname "White Chocolate. I try to do the exact same thing every day. I had like an 11-year-old and like a seven-year-old. After Memphis was swept by the Phoenix Suns in the 2005 NBA Playoffs, Williams was reportedly involved in an altercation with Geoff Calkins, a columnist for the Commercial Appeal. The witnesses were all given immunity for their cooperation and agreed to testify in court. In fact, it's incredibly normal. He is a twice, maybe thrice-in-a-lifetime player and anyone that has seen him play knows it. . Joining Williams in leaving are centre Rey Lee-Lo, number eight James Ratti and Wales hooker Kirby Myhill. Along the way, Williams checks in with past teammates (they are not called patients or clients) on his cellphone. In fact, he started just nine games for the 76ers before the franchise traded their disappointing former first-round pick to the Nets for a conditional draft choice. All Rights Reserved. Im learning, but its like molasses in the wintertime.. A 911 tape reveals that the caller alluded that a man at the estate had shot himself, and that is what witnesses told police when they first arrived at the scene. Sign up to comment on articles, engage with fellow sports fans, and contribute to high-quality discussions. [24], On January 5, 2010, Williams was charged with driving while intoxicated after an early morning accident in lower Manhattan, in which he crashed his Mercedes into a tree. A life that once glittered had turned dark and murky. [2] He became the only player in DuPont team history to reach 1,000 points and 500 assists. However, according to the New York Post, Williams reportedly accidentally shot and killed Christofi while playing with a shotgun during a tour of his home. Williams underwent intense physical therapy to regain the use of his left leg; leaving his basketball career in peril. Williams served 18 months and then served another eight months on a driving-under-the-influence charge. Since experiencing a whirlwind of legal drama stemming from her husband's, Jayson Williams, involvement in the fatal 2002 shooting of a limo driver in their New Jersey home, has forced her to become a single parent during his incarceration. The loss of Mr. Christofi and the loss of my father. Williams starred at St. Johns before his NBA career, which comprised two seasons with the 76ers and seven seasons with the Nets. Jason Williams son Jaxon RISING UP (via @55buckets) pic.twitter.com/36J0Z9LxIS. Retired NBA star Jayson Williams was freed from jail Friday after serving eight months for drunken driving in New York and 18 months before that in New Jersey on charges stemming from a limo . "I'm sorry, and I take responsibility for that, and I think about it all the time," Williams admitted. His life was on track, so investigators questioned why he would'vetaken his own life. Williams admitted he failed the check the safety mechanism of one of the guns that went off and killed Costas Christofi, the 55-year-old limo driver. Williams shared that "the only accolade" he will accept is for raising "his kids" as a single teen, all while attending basketball practice and college.
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