Williams gives up

Former New Jersey Nets center, Jayson Williams, surrendered to authorities mid-Monday morning.

Williams has been charged with manslaughter for the shooting that resulted in the death of 55-year-old limousine driver, Costas Christofi.

The shooting took place on February 14th at Jayson's 65-acre sprawling estate. Earlier published reports state Williams was playing with and twirling a gun, while giving a tour of his home, when the 12-guage shot gun fired, fatally striking Christofi in the chest.

According to the Acting Hunterdon County Prosecutor, Steven Lambert, it was also under investigation whether or not Williams allowed Christofi to bleed to death before the authorities were called.

The limo driver was found dead in one of Jayson's 40 rooms in his mansion.

Reports also state the former NBA star was drinking heavily before the shooting occurred.

Authorities have determined the gun used in the shooting came from Williams's personal gun collection.

Christofi's death, which was originally reported as a suicide, was later ruled a homicide by the medical examiner after an autopsy was preformed.

Williams, who is a basketball commentator for NBC this season, made no comment as he walked to his surrender Monday.

Williams's attorney, Joseph Hayden, was quoted as saying, "The death of Mr. Christofi was a tragic accident. We are very confident that after a full, fair and thorough exploration of the facts it will be clear that Mr. Williams is innocent of recklessness and innocent of any criminal conduct."

Hayden also denies any horseplay was involved with the shooting.

Williams, who retired from the NBA in 2000 due to leg injuries, is no stranger to trouble. The 34-year old was accused in 1992 of smashing a glass mug over the head of a customer in a Chicago bar. In addition, Williams also was accused in 1994 of shooting a semi-automatic weapon in the parking lot of a sports complex.

The basketball player, who admits to wrongdoing in his recently published autobiography, could face from five to 10 years in prison.

Currently, Williams is free on $250,000 bail.