Apr 27 2009
Former NBA Star Jayson Williams Becomes Suicidal
Former NBA star Jayson Williams has been hospitalized for observation after displaying bizarre behavior, including barricading himself in a Manhattan hotel and trashing his room. Police were called after the hotel staff reported that the former New Jersey Nets center was “suicidal”, and that he had been drinking heavily and taking pills.
Police were called to the Hilton Embassy Suites in Battery Park at 4 a.m. this morning, after a friend reported a disturbance in his room. Members of the Emergency Service Unit had to subdue the 6′9″ Williams with a taser gun before removing him from the property. Police say that it took two pair of hand cuffs to restrain him.
Inside the room, officers found several suicide notes, a message written on the hotel room wall, and evidence suggesting that Williams might be dealing with depression.
“He was barricaded, drinking, taking pills,” according to a police source. “He was overwhelmed. It all came crashing down.”
Friends say the 41 year old has been dealing with a number of emotional issues, including the illnesses of his parents, his recent divorce, and a pending re-trial of a manslaughter case in which he is accused in the shooting death of his chauffeur.
