Flemington, N.J. ? Former NBA player Jayson Williams pleaded innocent Friday to charges he fatally shot a limousine driver and then tried to make it look as if the victim fired the gun himself.

Williams entered the plea to first-degree manslaughter and other charges during an arraignment before judge Edward M. Coleman. He remained free on $270,000 bail.

Williams, accompanied by his wife, Tanya, did not speak during or after the hearing. Defense attorney Joseph Hayden entered the plea on his behalf.

If convicted on all charges, he could face nearly 45 years in prison.

A second man, John W. Gordnick, pleaded innocent to charges that he tampered with evidence to conceal Williams’ role in the shooting. Gordnick remained free on $50,000 bail.

Acting Hunterdon County prosecutor Steven C. Lember said his staff has almost finished its investigation, and has turned over two packets of evidence to the defense.

The judge scheduled a status hearing for Sept. 6.

Limousine driver Costas Christofi was fatally shot Feb. 14 at Williams’ estate in rural Alexandria Township. Prosecutors say Williams was recklessly handling a 12-gauge shotgun when it fired, hitting Christofi in the chest.