Former NBA player faces manslaughter charges
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Former NBA star Jayson Williams settled a civil lawsuit filed by the family of a limousine driver who was shot to death at his mansion.

Williams’ attorneys did not release terms of the settlement, which was filed Wednesday afternoon in state Superior Court in Hackensack.

Williams is accused of recklessly handling the shotgun that killed Costas “Gus” Christofi. He faces charges, including aggravated manslaughter, in the Feb. 14, 2002, shooting death, and faces up to 45 years in prison if convicted on all counts.

The civil settlement does not affect Williams’ criminal trial, which has been delayed so an appeals court can hear defense arguments for dismissing the indictment.

“While I know the pain I feel cannot compare to yours, I will live my whole life with the thought that Mr. Gus Christofi is no longer with you,” William

High school senior cleared to rejoin team
AKRON, Ohio (AP) — LeBron James was cleared to play Wednesday by a judge who temporarily blocked a state ruling that stripped the high school basketball star of his eligibility.

James, expected to be the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft, can rejoin his team but must sit out one more game this season, Summit County Judge James Williams ruled.

St. Vincent-St. Mary has four games left before the playoffs. The school can decide which game the senior will miss but must tell him by noon Thursday.

James already sat out a game after the Ohio High School Athletic Association declared him ineligible for the rest of the season because he accepted two free sports jerseys worth a total of $845.

The judge scheduled another hearing for Feb. 19, when he will decide whether to grant a permanent injunction or go to trial.