FLEMINGTON, N.J. — Former NBA star 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 Superior Court 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 Williams' behalf.

        If convicted on all charges, he could face nearly 45 years in prison. A second man, John W. Gordnick, pleaded innocent to charges he tampered with evidence to conceal Williams' role in the shooting. Gordnick remained free on $50,000 bail and faces a maximum sentence of 12 years in prison.

        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. Within weeks, Lember said, defense attorneys also will receive copies of crime-scene photographs.

        Prosecutors originally charged Williams with second-degree manslaughter, which required them to prove only that he recklessly caused the limousine driver's death. But a grand jury raised the charge last month, finding Williams demonstrated extreme indifference to human life.

        First-degree manslaughter carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. The maximum for the lesser charge is 10 years.

        Limousine driver Costas Christofi was fatally shot Feb.14 at Williams' estate in rural Alexandria Township. The driver was invited inside the mansion after picking up Williams' friends at a Harlem Globetrotters game in Bethlehem, Pa.

        Prosecutors say Williams was recklessly handling a 12-gauge shotgun when it fired, hitting Christofi in the chest. They also accuse Williams, Gordnick and a third man, Kent Culuko, of trying to destroy or conceal evidence implicating Williams and asking witnesses to lie about what happened.

        ROCKETS: Coach Rudy Tomjanovich will be among the team representatives who will go to China to meet with officials of the Shanghai Sharks regarding the availability of 7-foot-5 Yao Ming. The Rockets could select Yao with the No.1 pick in the June 26 NBA draft, but there are details to be worked out with the Shanghai team and government officials.

        ALL-STAR GAME: In 2004, the game will be at Staples Center, where the Los Angeles Lakers are playing the New Jersey Nets in the NBA Finals. The showcase event will be played in the L.A. area for the first time in 20 years.

Sports Stories

Alert rider steers War Emblem from trouble Cauthen says jockey's role a key element War Emblem hears history's hoofbeats Arena says to expect lineup changes for U.S. World Cup TV schedule Daniel leads LPGA major Golf scores Tyson-Lewis spectacle sure to fascinate Uncertainty clouds Tyson-Lewis Flooding cancels Pocono qualifying Just call it the Williams Invitational Tight officiating drawing mixed reviews in Stanley Cup finals Friday's NCAA Super Regional Capsules Junior rowers set to compete at East Fork Miami supports Collen's claim of 2 grad degrees Ex-NBA star Williams pleads innocent in driver's death Lakers 106, Nets 83 Coming up this week

Angels 4, Reds 3
Reds box, runs
Two rookie outfielders leading Reds' surge
Griffey leaves game with injured hamstring
Big-swinging Branyan a Red
Bohanon on mend, adjusting to relief
Sully getting back to old self
Major league roundup
Notes from Friday's games
Slimmer Pudge back with Texas
Bearcats have eyes on sheepskins
Madeira bats silenced
A slow start for area
Anderson, Milford square off in semis
Boone, Brossart out; Back-to-back losses stun returning Rebels
Colonels among final 8 in state
NewCath's Smith in last-season form
Russell takes vault
Preps schedules