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Mike McGraw reports on Jay Williams retiring from the NBA:

Former Bulls guard Jay Williams has no plans to resume his basketball career. Williams is working for a fitness company, doing motivational speaking and wants to advance in the business world, according to agent Kevin Bradbury.

The No. 2 pick of the 2002 draft, Williams attempted an NBA comeback last season after taking three years to recover from serious injuries he suffered in a motorcycle accident on Chicago’s North Side.

The 6-foot-2 guard played five preseason games with the New Jersey Nets, then spent about a month with the Austin Toros in the D-League before being released Dec. 31.

My Quick Take: I hated Jay Williams. Actually, I hated Jason Williams, who played for Duke and dominated college basketball for three years. It was nothing personal. I just never liked the Blue Devils.

My grudge ended once Williams entered the NBA. This was when the lightning quick guard changed his first name from Jason to Jay. A new beginning for both of us, I guess.

What happened next was tragic. After completing a so-so rookie season, Williams sustained a serious leg injury riding on a motorcycle.

This was an unfortunate decision. Players, according to NBA contracts, are forbidden from riding motorcycles.

Contracts were the least of his worries. The accident was serious. Doctors believed Williams would never walk again and basketball was over.

Through years of hard work, Williams regained the use of his leg and even tried out for the New Jersey Nets in 2005.

Unfortunately, his comeback didn’t work out. But Williams has a great story, something much more inspiring, special, and important than your typical NBA career.

He’ll make a great motivational speaker. I can even forgive him for playing for Duke.

What do you think of Jay Williams’ story? Get at us in the comment box below with your thoughts.