Dear Editor:
Do Not Make Good People Bad: Jim Hague wrote an article about Jayson Williams that I commend him for. As a kid who grew up in Guttenberg and now lives down the street from Jayson Williams for six years, I can attest to many wonderful things Jayson does, has done and will always do. The entire Williams family are good, decent and caring people from many things I have seen. I too like Jim have been befriended by Jayson and yes, he has a great personality and is ready to help almost before help is required. It is so sad how “the media”continually smears Jayson while ignoring the many, many good things he does to help others.
Jim said it well, and there’s really no need for me to laundry list more things. Ironically, Jayson never toots his own horn, and I just want to join Jim and toot Jayson’s horn for him. I would ask Jim and others to hold off on making judgment because I believe this is more than the fickle media lays at our feet. And, I have a problem with two alleged friends selling out to gain immunity but then again only the media labels acquaintances as friends. Because you or I know someone or are in their party does not make you the kind of friend the media portrays people as. Jayson happens to make everyone feel like you’ve known him for longer than you have. I wish I had Jayson’s faith and active practice in that faith to believe as he does in God because if I did then I’d know for certain that one tragic accident which Jayson suffers for (I know that) will never ever erase the Scoreboard deep in Jayson’s favor. And, acting out of fear, panic or whatever still does not change a person if in fact the accident was an accident and I doubt anybody can see it as anything but an accident.
Yes, Jim, there are two victims, Gus Cristofi and Jayson Williams. My prayer is that if there is any sentence it is that Jayson be sentenced to continued goodwill toward others which he does on his own. If that is the sentence then a tragedy can become a win-win situation. Jayson can also become a spokesperson for whatever prosecutors desire; within the NBA would be a great place and start. Thank God also for a Jim Hague who has the courage to point out the goodness of Jayson Williams while others seek to capitalize on a tragic accident. May none of those who have written such one-sided trash ever have any part in a tragic accident. Lord knows what may become of you!
Bob Faro