Jay Williams was the number 2 pick of the 2002 NBA draft. The former Duke point guard with his clean cut image and the distinction of being one of a handful of freshman that averaged double figures for Duke realized his dream and made it to the NBA. But it all came to an end nearly 10 years ago after a motorcycle accident ended his NBA career and almost caused him to take his own life.
From the New York Times:
His mother added: “I came in. I saw it. I slept in the room every day after that.”
Williams wasn’t licensed to drive a motorcycle and it was in violation of his NBA contract. The accident shattered his left leg leaving him with a dislocated knee and pelvis, a torn nerve in his left foot, a severed artery, and a torn hamstring from the bone. Williams has had over 10 operations on his leg requiring 100 staples. Williams battled with depression and alcoholism until 2008.
Williams is currently working as a college basketball analyst for ESPN and dating fellow Sports Nation host, Charissa Thompson.