Trial of ex-player Williams for Feb. 18 called off

Newark, N.J. — Jayson Williams’ trial for Feb. 18 was called off Tuesday when an appeals court agreed to consider dismissing manslaughter charges against the former NBA standout.

An appellate panel is to hear arguments March 12 in Trenton from his lawyers and the prosecutor’s office. The ruling was filed Tuesday, without elaboration, by two appellate judges.

Williams’ lawyers, Joseph Hayden Jr. and Billy Martin, said they were pleased the court accepted the appeal.

Steven Lember, first assistant prosecutor, said: “We prevailed in the trial court below and every defendant has a right to appeal any trial court decision.”

Williams’ lawyers contend the office’s grand jury presentation was flawed and the grand jury never should have been told Williams exercised his right to remain silent after a limousine driver was shot to death at his mansion last Feb. 14.

Barkley criticizes Carter for not giving up spot

Milwaukee — Charles Barkley thinks Vince Carter’s inclusion in the NBA All-Star game is a sure sign that fan voting doesn’t work, and the NBA television analyst thinks Carter should have forfeited his starting position.

“I thought that Vince Carter should have given up his starting spot,” the former NBA player said Tuesday during a conference call to promote TNT’s coverage of Sunday’s All-Star game. “No. 1, he doesn’t deserve to be in the game, he hasn’t played enough to warrant an All-Star selection. That’s one of the reasons I’m against the fans voting, because it shouldn’t be a popularity contest.”

Carter, who played in only 10 games before the ballots were counted because of knee problems, was third in balloting for the All-Star game in Atlanta, trailing just Kobe Bryant and Tracy McGrady. Carter has played in 14 games this season, averaging 18.4 points and 3.4 rebounds.

Stern: Investors interested in Bucks

Milwaukee — Local and national investors are interested in buying a majority stake in the Milwaukee Bucks but the league wants to keep the team in the city, NBA commissioner David Stern said.

Stern said in Tuesday’s Milwaukee Journal Sentinel he is confident this can be done. He did not identify any of the interested parties.

“We’re telling prospective purchasers that there is good opportunity in Milwaukee,” he said.

Sen. Herb Kohl is willing to sell the team he has owned since 1985, but he wants the Bucks to remain in Milwaukee.