■BASKETBALL
Williams going to prison
Retired NBA star Jayson Williams has agreed to a plea deal that would send him to prison for up to three years for accidentally shooting a driver at his New Jersey estate in 2002, a person with knowledge of the case told reporters on Thursday. Williams, who retired in 2000 after playing nine seasons in the NBA for the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Nets, was to face a retrial in January on a reckless manslaughter count. The person, who was not authorized to speak about the case, told reporters on condition of anonymity that Williams is to plead guilty Friday to aggravated assault. Because a gun was used in the crime, Williams must serve at least 18 months in prison, the person said. The plea deal would resolve all charges in a case that dragged out for nearly eight years. Witnesses testified that Williams was showing off a shotgun in his bedroom in February 2002 when he snapped the weapon shut and it fired one shot that struck driver Costas Christofi in the chest, killing him. They also testified that Williams initially placed the gun in the dead man’s hands and instructed those present to lie about what happened. The defense has maintained the shooting was an accident and that Williams panicked afterward.
■CYCLING
Contador stays with Astana
Tour de France champion Alberto Contador has agreed to see out the final year of his Astana contract on condition that the team receives its Pro Tour license. Contador said in a statement on Thursday that the initial agreement to remain with the Kahzak-based team and see out his contract through next year also depends on the team maintaining its strict internal doping controls. Contador said he was convinced to see out the deal after Astana “ensured the reliability and competitiveness” of the team with several signings, including Yvon Sanquer as the new team manager and Giuseppe Martinelli as sport director.
■FORMULA ONE
Button takes pay cut
Formula One drivers champion Jenson Button admits he has taken a pay cut to join last year’s winner, Lewis Hamilton, at McLaren, but says he made the move from Brawn for a new challenge. A day after the move was revealed, Button said on Thursday it would be strange being a rival to Brawn after seven years even though his former team, which also won the constructors’ title, will now be under the name of Mercedes GP after Monday’s takeover by the German car maker. Button said he would be earning less than at Brawn.
■ATHLETICS
Gay, Richards honored
Tyson Gay and Sanya Richards were named the 2009 Jesse Owens Award recipients on Thursday, the second time that each has earned the USA Track and Field honor. Gay also received the Owens award in 2007, and Richards won it in 2006. They will receive their awards at a ceremony on Dec. 5. USATF chief executive Doug Logan said Gay and Richards “rank among this country’s all-time great track athletes.” Gay tied or lowered his American 100m record three times in three months this year, with a best of 9.69 seconds. That tied him with world record-holder Usain Bolt for the second-fastest time in history. Gay also ran the 200m in 19.58 this year, the fifth fastest ever. Richards won the women’s 400m world title and ran the anchor leg to help the US win the 4x400m relay at the world championships in Berlin.
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