In 2004, Williams was acquitted of the most serious charge, aggravated manslaughter, but convicted on four lesser counts for the cover-up. The jury, however, couldn’t decide on the charge of reckless manslaughter, which led the prosecution to seek a retrial on the count. But after years of legal delays, it never got to that point. In 2010, Williams pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of aggravated assault, which carried a maximum sentence of five years. He would not be eligible for parole until serving at least 18 months.
In New Jersey state prison, Williams was rehabilitated and released in August 2011 after serving the minimum sentence. But, while in prison, he was convicted of a separate DWI charge for an incident that took place in New York just a week prior to his guilty plea in the shooting case. So instead of being a free man, he was transferred to Rikers Island to serve an additional one-year sentence behind bars. In April, after eight months of good behavior, Williams was finally released from jail.
Five and a half months later, Williams continues to piece his life back together. In an extensive interview with ESPN.com, the 44-year-old Williams discusses his time in prison, opens up about how the accident still plays a role in his life and even bats around the idea of an NBA comeback.