Jayson Williams Daughters Denounce St. John’s For Inducting Him Into School’s Hall Of Fame
The daughters of former NBA star Jayson Williams are denouncing St. John’s University for inducting their father into the school’s Athletics Hall of Fame.
According to CBS News, separated letters were penned by Tryumph and Whizdom Williams and sent to the Associated Press and to the University itself, lamenting the decision being made in spite of flaws he allegedly exhibited as a father.
Now both teenagers, the Williams sisters accused their father of being a “deadbeat” alcoholic that failed to provide adequate financial support while also being emotionally and verbally abusive. They also claim their father never made amends with them, even after he apologized and served time in prison for accidentally shooting and killing a chauffeur at his New Jersey mansion in 2002.
Tryumph wrote, "Why are you being honored and inducted into the hall of fame when I've always had to earn my survival, let alone my success, in spite of you? St. John's University — you should be ashamed of yourself.”
In reaction, St. John's University said in an email to the AP, "Jayson Williams's life journey is one that includes childhood trauma, time spent in a homeless shelter, addiction, incarceration, and recovery; issues that impact countless American families. The family dynamic between Jayson and his children is not a matter that St. John's University will discuss.”
The statement continued, "Part of the recovery and redemption process is restoring trust, accepting help, and finding comfort and support in the journey and that, coupled with his athletic accomplishments, is what St. John's University recognizes with Jayson Williams during this Homecoming weekend."
According to the AP, Jayson Williams has declined to comment.
