Jayson Williams Angered by Disproportionate Coverage of Robert Blake
NEWARK, NJ– Former New Jersey Net Jayson Williams voiced his anger regarding the disproportionate amount of attention given to the Robert Blake murder trial Friday.  Williams, who has been charged with manslaughter in the death of limo driver Costas Christofi on February 14, believes his trial warrants at least as much coverage as Blake's, if not more.
   “I don't understand why everybody's talking about the Blake trial,” said the former NBA All-Star.  “Why compare him to O.J. [Simpson]?  I'm black and a former athlete—Blake isn't either of those.”
   TV's “Baretta,” Blake, charged Monday with fatally shooting wife Bonny Lee Bakley last May, has dominated the news lately, whereas Williams has faded away.
   “No one even knows what ‘Baretta’ is,” said Williams.  “Meanwhile, I'm averaging 13.5 and 13.6 rebounds [in the 1996-7 and 1997-8 seasons, respectively].”
   Williams is not demanding a great deal of coverage of his trial, but he would like to see it more noticeably considered in the media.
   “Ever since I first picked up a basketball, I've been working hard to be the best I can be,” he said.  “And it's tough when something like this comes along and ignores everything you've ever worked hard for.  I didn't stay late after practice only to find out no one wants to hear about my murder trial.”
  Williams realizes he won't get the same amount of attention as Simpson did in his infamous trial, but the former rebounding giant feels, with his contributions to the NBA, he warrants more recognition than he's currently getting.
   “I know I'm just a role player: clear the boards, get the ball out,” said Williams.  “But role players are crucial.  Steve Kerr and John Paxson won championships for the Bulls.  All I'm saying is I want what I deserve.  Nothing more.”