Life Is Not an Accident (22 page)
Read Life Is Not an Accident Online
Authors: Jay Williams
The fact is that I have been “playing small” for a very long time by not telling my story. I have spent too much time afraid of opening myself up to the outside world and sharing my inner thoughts because of people's inclination to judge. It's easy to draw conclusions about my family, my love life, my job, and the choices I've made. It's up to me whether I choose to let those outside voices dictate how I live my life.
It's time to stop pushing the pain away and to start accepting and embracing it. I accept the decision I made that ruined my future in professional basketball. I embrace that decision because I know that my road forward requires a road traveled.
I spent so much of my life following a specific set of plans,
from graduating college to playing in the NBA to enduring physical therapy to getting back in the league. I'm done conforming to a blueprint.
Sure, I have plans for the future, but I know things aren't always going to work out the way I intend them to, and I'll be ready for it this time.
With Mom, back when I had hair.
Even at two years old, I was the life of the party.
I still look up to my father to this day.
With the “United Nations” on prom night
(left to right):
Dresden Baluyot, Brian “Darkness” Wilson, Felson Sajonas, and Peter Stein.
I was proud to be named the first All-American at St. Joseph's High School.
With Mom, Dad, and Assistant Coach Mike Thompson on Senior Night.
Proof that I did pass the ball in college.
(Photo courtesy of Duke University Athletics)
There's nothing better than dominating the school that I once wanted to attend.
(Photo courtesy of Duke University Athletics)
Getting emotional before my last game against North Carolina on Senior Night. Oh yeah, I dropped 37 on the Heels.
Coach K and I embracing the 2001 National Championship trophy together.
(Photo courtesy of Duke University Athletics)
Sharing a moment with the great John Wooden after he presented me with the 2002 Naismith College Player of the Year Award.
Proud to take my place among the Duke legends on the night my jersey was retired.
(Photo courtesy of Duke University Athletics)
Being introduced to the Chicago Bulls media for the first time after being drafted number two overall.
Left to right:
General Manager Jerry Krause and fellow draftees Roger Mason and Lonny Baxter.
(Photo courtesy of Bill Smith/Chicago Bulls)
