The Associated Press reported that former professional basketball star Jayson Williams, who played two seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers, has pleaded guilty to DWI (driving while intoxicated) in a Manhattan courtroom.
He will serve a one-year prison sentence on top of the five-year prison term he's currently serving in New Jersey for accidentally shooting and killing a limousine driver. Given his recent legal troubles and the fact that his blood-alcohol content registered more than twice the legal limit, a Philadelphia DUI lawyer probably would have recommended a guilty plea as well.
Jayson Williams also was charged with assault for allegedly punching a man in the face in 2009, although the charges were later dropped. Also, his wife divorced him last year. Although he said the sentence seemed excessive, he took a decidedly sober tone as he apologized to his family for letting them down:
"But it's a small price to pay if it helps to deter drunk driving. I'll be the poster child for that if it's going to save lives... I'm doing the best I can in New Jersey so this will never happen again."
Jayson Williams last played with the New Jersey Nets under a six-year, $86 million contract but was forced to retire in 2000 due to a leg injury.
The accidental shooting took place two years after his retirement when he was showing his 12-gauge shotgun to friends. He reportedly failed to check the safety mechanism and it went off, killing chauffeur Costas Christofi. He then wiped the weapon clean of his fingerprints and placed it in the drivers' hands.
Jayson Williams' lawyer, Oscar Holt III, said his client is making progress in substance-abuse counseling and problem-solving programs:
"His life spiraled downward, but it's now back on the rise."
Consider speaking with a Philadelphia DUI attorney if you've been arrested for driving under the influence.
Related Resources:
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DUI - Sentencing (FindLaw)
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Browse Philadelphia DUI Law Firms (FindLaw)
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Former NBA Star Jayson Williams Enters Guilty Plea (FindLaw's Tarnished Twenty Blog)
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