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Report: Williams to retire Losing big man could seal Nets' Martin pick
Posted: Monday June 26, 2000 01:34 PM
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -- New Jersey Nets center Jayson Williams, who hasn't played since breaking his leg in April 1999, will announce the end to his career within days, his agent said. Sal DiFazio told The New York Post that Williams, 32, would not retire because that implies his skills have eroded. "Unfortunately, it's a disability caused by the injury which is going to cut things short," DiFazio said in the Post's Monday editions. DiFazio said Williams will make an announcement within the next day or so. DiFazio was in court on Monday and not available to speak to The Associated Press, a spokeswoman said. A home number listed for Williams was not in service. Williams broke his right leg and tore up his knee in an on-court collision with teammate Stephon Marbury in a game against Atlanta on April 1, 1999. The former All-Star was attempting a comeback in March when he broke his left foot when another teammate stepped on it during practice. He suffered increased pain and swelling while trying to recover. "He's rehabbed as hard and faithfully as you possibly can. It just hasn't worked out. I think you've got to look at a replacement at that position," team president Rod Thorn told the Post. Williams is in the second year of a six-year, $85 million contract. If he doesn't play for a second straight year, his salary comes off the Nets' salary cap and the Nets could gain about $3.25 million through a disabled player exception. DiFazio has been in discussions with the Nets' owners, the NBA and the Players Association about Williams. "The need for immediacy is obvious because [the Nets] have to plan on what they're going to do Wednesday and the future," DiFazio said. The Nets have the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft on Wednesday. "We've come to an accord that you'll hear about shortly. It has
been decided."
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