TRENTON, N.J. — Jayson Williams is expected to accept an 18-month prison sentence today in the shooting death of limousine driver Costas “Gus” Christofi — nearly eight years after the incident Feb. 14, 2002, at Williams’ former Hunterdon County, N.J., estate.
But the former all-star center for the Nets is not certain to approve the plea agreement when he appears in Somerset County Superior Court today. Friends say Williams is in emotional turmoil after the death of his father, E.J., last week. In addition, his mother, Barbara, is seriously ill, and Williams is undergoing a bitter divorce with his wife, Tanya.
Williams’ manager, Akhtar Farzaie, said Thursday that despite media reports, Williams had not signed off on the plea deal.
If Williams, 41, doesn’t take the deal, he faces a reckless manslaughter retrial in January.
Two other sources familiar with Williams’ thinking said he was struggling to come to terms with the idea of going to prison. That’s no surprise to prominent criminal defense attorney Jack Furlong, a frequent guest on CourtTV during the 2004 trial.
Furlong said Williams could expect to be sentenced to at least 36 months if convicted — while getting off with no jail time if he is acquitted.
“They’re offering to split the difference,” Furlong said of the 18-month compromise. “This comes down to double or nothing, where your client has to decide, ‘Do I feel lucky?’ “
