Another sad chapter in Jayson Williams' fall

Larry Renforth — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 20:43:21 GMT

Jayson did truly seem like a fun loving genuine guy. I remember a post-game press conference from the Bulls-Nets series back in 1998, and Jayson was joking around with Michael Jordan, and said something to the effect that there's two poeple on this planet I would like everyone to meet, "You, and Bill Cosby". Anyways, the moment seemed so real and it was different talk from the standard lines athletes have about how they performed in the game, or anything else related to the game.

It is sad to see him fall so hard.

Another sad chapter in Jayson Williams' fall

John West Chester PA — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 20:47:19 GMT

Very sad. Just another example of to much to soon...then having to deal with the aftermath of a successful career and life after pro sports. This won't be the last time this happens...

Another sad chapter in Jayson Williams' fall

Jeff, Lincoln, NE — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 03:14:28 GMT

It's too bad that I'm the only one who's written a comment. I liked your article, it was an objective nutshell with both sides, but you highlighted something important...he tried his best and the fun ended with the loss of a man's life.
I will be praying for him and I thank you for your support even though I don't know the man...I just know it's easier for the media to throw someone under the bus rather than give it an honest look. So thanks.

Another sad chapter in Jayson Williams' fall

donn shanghai — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 08:49:47 GMT

Yes, he seems to be tortured. But given his money and means and with no controls in his life sufficient to keep him on track, he should spend some time in the slammer for killing the chaffeur. If he was truly sorry, I believe he would own up and accept the consequences instead of using his money and playing the system to beat the charges. Put him behind bars for about 8 years, give him time to age a bit and he will come out a better person - in others eyes, but most likely also in his own.

Another sad chapter in Jayson Williams' fall

Wrillman — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 11:39:33 GMT

What a sad case, this Jayson Williams is. I think this is the prime example of when the word says that "The Love of Money is the root to all evil." That brotha loved that money too much, and it brought about evil for him. It ruined his whole life, not the money of course, but the love of it. Sad, but nobody to blame but himself. I wish him well!!

Another sad chapter in Jayson Williams' fall

Washington DC — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:07:25 GMT

The difference is....you saw a man, a person..a life...even one taken....as the same. We are all one. Good, bad, sad, but true! Great job!

Another sad chapter in Jayson Williams' fall

Washington DC — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:07:42 GMT

The difference is....you saw a man, a person..a life...even one taken....as the same. We are all one. Good, bad, sad, but true! Great job!

Another sad chapter in Jayson Williams' fall

Paul San Antonio, TX — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:36:28 GMT

Great column, Mike. It is all too painful to see the fall from the heights. I admired and respected Jayson Williams because of the way he carried himself. To learn of his current state is very disheartening. This is a lesson to all of us, not just athletes, that the fall is very real, and very painful for all involved. I hope he can get his life back together, and that he can get help for himself to work through his grief and addictions to become a spokesman for gun education, abuse education, and so that he can have, as you eloquently said, many of the things that he worked so hard for. Again, great column.

Another sad chapter in Jayson Williams' fall

H.Brown, Noblesville, IN — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 19:05:17 GMT

Highly paid young athletes don't need over-paid agents. They need psychiatrists financial advisors & religious mentors.

So sad to continue seeing young people with too much money blow the rest of their life with drugs, alcohol and "bad friends" such as sports agents!

Another sad chapter in Jayson Williams' fall

John Pileggi — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 19:21:25 GMT

You left out the details about how he went to great lengths to construct false evidence that the driver killed himself. Where was the concern for the driver's family at that point? It is surely a very sad story, and I do not doubt Mr. Williams was once a very nice man, but he has been punished less and stands to enjoy more freedom that someone who robs a fruit stand. You are correct about the rat's tail.

Another sad chapter in Jayson Williams' fall

Vera S. — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 04:12:00 GMT

I remember a very nice and caring Jason while growing up with him in the boys club..He was always the guy trying to help everyone out. There appears to be some problems now and everyone is forgetting about the guy behind the trouble and perhaps illness. I wish him a full recovery. Vera S.

Another sad chapter in Jayson Williams' fall

Lisa — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:51:41 GMT

As you are aware, My Jayson, Jayson Scott Williams is on trial for the accidental shooting of Mr. Costas Christofi. We are forever remorseful for the loss of life that occured in our home. Our sympathy deepens for the family and friends of Mr. Christofi and for every person's life that has been affected by this accident. We are truly sorry for the unforseeable accident that occured on Feb. 14, 2002.

Many of you have been angered by the false allegations and misrepresentations levied against my husband - it angers me too. Yet I know that these lies, innuendoes and distortions shall be eradicated through our trial and I will allow our attorneys to appropriately do this.

However, the slanderous and inflammatory character assaults agains Jayson cannot be fully corrected by anyone other than me - his wife. Jayson is an amazing man, whom I love dearly. He is a great father, a caring son and a loyal friend. He is generous to a fault. His charitable works are too many to mention and many are only known by the people he has touched with his kindness. Jayson gives of his time, talent & resources because it makes him feel as good as the recipients. Jayson loves life, he loves people, he loves to laugh and sometimes he cries - but most importantly, Jayson loves God. He is a God-fearing man, and through our trials and tribulations walks closer to God than he ever has before. This is My Jayson Williams.