<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Shawne Williams stood off to the side of the Indiana Pacers' practice court Thursday, sweat bleeding through his blue jersey. The object of pointed recent comments from Larry Bird, Williams emphasized he wants to remain a Pacer and harbors no hard feelings toward the team president. Bird said June 24 Williams would be traded if the Pacers could get enough in return, adding if the second-year player remained he would be on "very thin ice." "I just hope the thin ice don't break," Williams said. "I'm going to do everything in my power to keep it thin and try to thicken it up a little bit." In February, a man wanted on murder charges in Memphis, Tenn., was arrested after leaving Williams' home in a truck registered to Williams. The man, Gary Bohannon, also was with Williams when Williams was stopped for driving without a license Sept. 11, 2007. Bohannon was found guilty of marijuana possession from that traffic stop. Williams said he understood Bird's comments. "He's got a job to do, and I've got a job to do. I didn't lose no respect for Larry," Williams said. "He's just doing his job. And he's right." Williams played college basketball at Memphis, his hometown. Bohannon also is from Memphis. The 17th pick in the 2006 draft, Williams said he has tried to streamline his life to playing basketball, working out and going home, away from trouble. He said he no longer associates with some people in his life, even relatives. "It's hard to cut family out because that's your blood, but some things, you've just go to do. You have to make some sacrifices," said Williams, a 6-9 forward who averaged 6.7 points and 2.7 rebounds last season. "I feel like, if family members and people around you love you and want you to succeed, they'll step back after so much." Williams said he realizes his off-court situations contributed to the Pacers' public relations problems, but he hopes to be a part of rebuilding the image and production of a team that missed the playoffs the past two years. Asked how he thinks he's viewed, Williams said, "I don't know. I feel like I still have fans cheering for me when I come out (on the court). I'm not getting booed. "I feel like I earned the fans back a little bit. I just have to stay out of trouble and keep a clean nose."</div> Source: Indy Star
Well Bird isn't some God like some believe but its like meeting Allen Iverson or Bobby Brown, they have the type of personalities that you know are against white authority for the most part, Williams is actually a good kid who smokes weed like 50 percent of the NBA. Williams and Tinsley both have talent, yet he has turned their trade value to piss by opening his mouth when he shouldnt have. I mean Indy fans may not like Tinsley but I still consider him a quality starting PG in this league. As for Williams he is a guy I think has alot of upside, can play 2 positions and could make an impact with the right team
