<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> Jay Williams will visit teammates for the first time since his June 19 motorcycle accident on Saturday as Bulls management and Williams' representatives negotiate a settlement that could end his playing career with the organization. Williams' accident caused severe injuries to his left knee ligaments and pelvic area, as well as nerve damage. He has been undergoing treatment and rehabilitation in Durham, N.C. The accident also violated a standard NBA player's contract, which prohibits motorcycle riding without team consent. The Bulls have been supportive of and patient with Williams, currently keeping his $3.7 million salary on their payroll. But talks with Williams' agent, Bill Duffy, are leading to a termination of his rookie contract, which originally called for $11.13 million through next season. An agreement is expected to be reached in the next month. </div> To be honest, I expected this to happen much sooner. The Bulls organization deserves much credit to being loyal and compassionate to Williams. Its sad to see this happen, but it does need to be done from a cap prespective. Some other great quotes: <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> "What they've made very clear is that from a contractual standpoint they want to protect themselves," Duffy said. "But when Jay comes back?and we're going to use the word when?hopefully Jay can resume his career with the Bulls. "That's his intention. In Jay's heart, he wants to play for John Paxson. That's his singular goal. If he has to play elsewhere, that's what is going to happen." </div> This is a good sign for Bulls fans. Jay's agent throughout the article has been happy with the treatment the Bulls organization has given Jay thru this ordeal. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> The delicacy they've demonstrated is exemplary of a professional organization," Duffy said. </div> Again, a great quote that proves the Bulls have been very supportive. http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sp...bulls-headlines
The Bulls have been more than tolerant, and should really be commended for this. I was surprised when Paxson originally said that the Bulls would honor the contract despite the fact that Jay broke a clause, and that just went to show the level of honor that Pax has, something he was renowned for during his playing career as well. The guy is definitely high caliber. I think this is good for Jay as well, because although I know he realizes he let everyone down and that that part of him makes him want to play for the Bulls again, but by the time he comes back the Bulls may have moved on far enough so that he has no place. Definitely, if I was Scott Skiles, I wouldn't let Jay cut down Kirk's minutes. And if that proves to be too much for Jay, he may be better off leading a younger team that needs a strong point guard to play big minutes.
