Jayson Williams Biography: Ex-Wife, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Height, Children, Ethnicity, Team, Awards

Jayson Williams is a former professional basketball player who became famous for his exceptional court skills during his 11-season career in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Born on February 22, 1968, he played primarily for the New Jersey Nets and was selected as an All-Star in 1998.

His career was marked by impressive statistics and memorable performances. He was particularly noted for his ability to rebound and facilitate plays.

However, Williams’s life took a dramatic turn due to legal issues stemming from a tragic incident involving the accidental shooting of his limousine driver, which led to a prison sentence and significant public scrutiny.

Profile

• Full name: Jayson Williams
• Date of birth: February 22, 1968
• Age: 57 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Ritter, South Carolina, USA
• Nationality: American
• Profession: Former professional basketball player
• Height: 6 feet 10 inches (208 cm)
• Parents: Elijah Joshua Williams (father) and Barbara Williams (mother)
• Siblings: Victor Williams (brother); Linda Diaz and Laura Diaz (sisters, both deceased)
• Spouse: Tanya Young (married in 2000, divorced in 2011)
• Children: Tryumph Williams, Whizdom J. Williams, Monique Williams, Ejay Williams
• Relationship status: Divorced
• Religion: Raised Catholic
• Ethnicity: African American, with Polish and Italian descent
• Net worth: $60 million

Early Life and Education

Jayson Williams is now at the age of 57. He was born on February 22, 1968, in Ritter, South Carolina to parents, Elijah Joshua Williams and Barbara Williams.

His siblings include Victor Williams (brother), Linda Diaz, and Laura Diaz (deceased sisters). Growing up in a challenging environment, he developed a passion for basketball early on.

Williams attended St. Joseph High School in Metuchen, New Jersey, where he excelled in basketball and earned recognition as one of the top high school players in the state.

After high school, he played college basketball at Duke University, where he had a standout career. He graduated from Duke in 1990 with a degree in sociology.

Personal Life

Jayson Williams married Tanya Young in 2000 but got divorced in 2011. He has four children: Tryumph Williams, Whizdom J. Williams, Monique Williams and Ejay Williams. Triumph and Whizdom are his biological daughters with his ex-wife, Tanya Young. In his early twenties, Jayson adopted his sister’s children, Monique and Ejay.

Williams has faced significant personal challenges throughout his life, particularly following his professional career. He was involved in a tragic incident in 2002 when he accidentally shot his limousine driver, Gus Christofi while showing off a shotgun that he believed was unloaded.

This incident led to severe legal repercussions for Williams; he was charged with multiple counts related to the shooting and ultimately served time in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated assault.

Williams has been open about his struggles with alcoholism and the impact it had on his life and career. After serving time in prison, he sought rehabilitation and has since focused on maintaining sobriety.

Career

Jayson Williams began his professional basketball career after being selected by the Phoenix Suns as the 21st overall pick in the first round of the 1990 NBA Draft. His rights were traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, where he played for three seasons before being traded to the New Jersey Nets.

Williams established himself as one of the league’s premier rebounders and playmakers during his time with the Nets. He earned an All-Star selection in 1998 and was known for his dynamic playing style.

Williams’s career was marked by impressive statistics; he averaged over seven rebounds per game and set franchise records for offensive rebounds during his tenure with the Nets. However, his promising career was overshadowed by legal troubles that arose from the accidental shooting incident.

Awards

• NBA All-Star (1998)
• Inducted into the New York City Basketball Hall of Fame (2016)

Net worth

Jayson Williams’s net worth is estimated to be around $60 million. However, legal fees and other costs associated with his past controversies have affected his financial situation.

Controversy

Jayson Williams’s life has been marred by controversy primarily due to the tragic incident involving the accidental shooting of Gus Christofi. On February 14, 2002, Williams invited Christofi to his home after a night out with friends.

While showing off a shotgun that he believed was unloaded, it discharged accidentally, resulting in Christofi’s death. The aftermath of this incident led to significant media coverage and public outrage.

Initially charged with aggravated manslaughter, Williams faced a tumultuous legal battle that included accusations of attempting to cover up the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

He was later acquitted of aggravated manslaughter but pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in January 2010. This plea resulted in a prison sentence of five years, although he served approximately 27 months before being released.

Williams’s actions during and after the incident were heavily scrutinized; reports indicated that he attempted to hide evidence and mislead authorities regarding what transpired that night.

In interviews following his release from prison, Williams expressed remorse for his actions and acknowledged that he acted out of fear and selfishness after the accident.

Social Media

• Instagram: @jaysonwilliams_
• Twitter: @jaysonwilliams_