Bored 0 Report post Posted January 19, 2005 This is a week old but I never even heard about this. Maybe I should start watching SportsCenter again? Nah. How hard up can a team be for some publicity? http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1965506 NAMPA, Idaho -- Jayson Williams made his return to professional basketball, scoring two points in limited action hours after signing a contract with the Idaho Stampede of the Continental Basketball Association. Jayson Williams, left, wore a pro uniform for the first time in five years. He played nine minutes for the Stampede. The former NBA All-Star, who faces reckless manslaughter charges related to a 2002 shooting at his New Jersey mansion, has said he hopes to use the CBA as a springboard for his return to the NBA. Williams, who turns 37 next month, quit professional basketball in 2000 because of knee problems. "Interested NBA teams want assurances that I am fully recovered and can withstand the rigors of daily competition," Williams said in a statement Wednesday. "The very competitive CBA will provide me with this opportunity." The 6-foot-10 forward did not start Wednesday's game against the Yakima Sun Kings, but was the first man off the bench in both halves of Idaho's 117-109 win, playing more than nine minutes. He drew a polite cheer from the announced crowd of 2,367 when he first took the floor about midway through the first quarter. "I felt great. I really appreciated it. I was a little rusty," Williams said after the game. "I'm glad we got a win. These guys look awesome." Williams appeared to run without problems and was going out of his way to be gracious, at one point profusely thanking a towel girl. He exchanged handshakes and hugs with members of the Sun Kings at halfcourt after the game, and was the last to leave the autograph table. Idaho coach Joe Wolf, who played against Williams in the NBA, said Williams hadn't had a chance to practice with the team before the game. "He hasn't run our sets. But he showed tremendous energy. I expect a lot from him," Wolf said. Williams, who made a name for himself in the NBA with his rebounding, grabbed four rebounds Wednesday night, all defensive. "Everybody needs a second chance," Stampede season ticket holder Don Young said. "If he was a carpenter or a car salesman, somebody would hire him. He plays basketball, this is what he does." Some fans sounded more skeptical of his motivations. "He's probably got a few attorney's fees to pay," Bill Stroud said. The Stampede signed Williams to improve their rebounding and weren't deterred by his legal difficulties, said general manager John Brunelle. "The best-case scenario would be that he performs really well, we win ball games, and the NBA makes him the third call up from the Stampede this season," Brunelle said. Williams was acquitted in April of aggravated manslaughter in the Feb. 14, 2002, shooting death of a limousine driver, Costas "Gus" Christofi. He convicted on four counts stemming from a failed bid to conceal the shooting. His retrial on a charge of reckless manslaughter is due to begin in March. Williams, who called the shooting an accident, won't be sentenced on the four cover-up convictions until the remaining charge is settled. Possible sentences run from probation to about five years in prison. The reckless manslaughter charge carries a possible 10-year sentence. Williams played nine seasons for the New Jersey Nets and Philadelphia 76ers. He averaged 10 or more rebounds per game in his final four NBA seasons; his rebounding prowess earned him a trip to the 1998 All-Star Game. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Czech Republic 0 Report post Posted January 19, 2005 I bet there's some white supremacists in Idaho who would love to show off their automatic machine guns on Williams. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2GOLD 0 Report post Posted January 19, 2005 What the hell happened to Jay Williams, the point guard? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kkktookmybabyaway 0 Report post Posted January 19, 2005 Wasn't he the guy from the Bulls that shattered his leg in an ATV accident or something? And is this the same Jayson Williams that had mental disorders?... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2GOLD 0 Report post Posted January 19, 2005 Wasn't he the guy from the Bulls that shattered his leg in an ATV accident or something? And is this the same Jayson Williams that had mental disorders?... Yes. And yes. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alfdogg 0 Report post Posted January 20, 2005 There were talks a while ago of the Bulls buying out Williams' contract, but not sure if it ever actually happened. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Myxamatosis 0 Report post Posted January 20, 2005 One can make an entire thread based upon horrible Bulls draft selections in the post-Jordan era. But Hinrich seems to have them on the right track. Give the Baby Bulls some DAP! Anyway, Charles Barkley is an avid supporter of Jayson Williams and his attempt to get back in the league. I always remembered him as a vibrant personality and a hell of a rebounder. Hopefully none of that has left amdist his trail. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Precious Roy 0 Report post Posted January 20, 2005 There were talks a while ago of the Bulls buying out Williams' contract, but not sure if it ever actually happened. They bought out his contract, even though legally they didn't owe him anything due to his accident violating his agreement, and I believe he's planning to attempt a comeback and give the Bulls the first shot at his services. I think he's working for ESPN right now. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
