Former NBA Star Jayson Williams Sentenced To Prison For Driver's Shooting Death

Once a shining star in the National Basketball Association, JAYSON WILLIAMS hit rock bottom Tuesday after being sentenced to five years in prison for the shooting death of his limo driver in 2002.

At the time, Williams’ nine-year NBA career had already ended because of injuries. He was brandishing a shotgun at his New Jersey home to impress friends when it suddenly discharged, striking COSTAS CHRISTOFI in the chest.

Williams avoided jail when the case against him first ended with his acquittal on aggravated manslaughter charges, although he was convicted of four counts of trying to cover up the shooting. At first, he claimed that Christofi had shot himself.

Still, the case hung over Williams’ head and he wound up last month pleading guilty to aggravated assault in the driver’s death, resulting in Tuesday’s sentencing. With time off for good behavior, Williams could be paroled in 18 months.

The conviction is another dark mark against Williams, who earned millions as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers  and New Jersey Nets and was a commentator for NBC Sports when the shooting occurred eight years ago.  Williams’ life has since deteriorated, with various arrests for assault and DUI charges.

After sentencing Tuesday, the 42-year-old told Christofi’s sister, “There's not a day I wake up that I don't feel sorry for what I did to Mr. Christofi and that I put you through this.”