Jason Williams retires

Jason Williams aka "White Chocolate" announced his retirement yesterday just 10 days after signing with the Los Angeles Clippers. Born in Charleston, West Virginia, he grew up in Belle, a small West Virginian town less than 10 miles from Charleston, and graduated from Dupont High School, where he played both basketball and football with Randy Moss. He went on to Marshall University then the University of Florida for college. Florida is where he started to show flashes of brilliance but would eventually be permanently suspended for three previous drug suspensions. When asked what he missed most about College he replied "I cherished getting kicked out of school." Williams went pro after the suspension and was drafted seventh in the first round in the 1998 NBA Draft.

During his career he helped the Miami Heat to the NBA title in 2006, averaged 11.4 points, 6.3 assists and shot 39.6 percent from the floor in 679 games. Before joining the Heat, he played for the Grizzlies. In four seasons with the Grizzlies, Williams became the club’s career assists leader. But he is probably best known for his play in Sacramento. He played with flair and without a conscience. Throwing it up from just feet in front of half court and making passes that would make most coaches sick. In his prime, he was one of the most exciting players to watch in the NBA. His play will be missed by myself, and I am sure, plenty of others.