SOMERVILLE, N.J. - Because of "prosecutorial misconduct," key information from a test on the shotgun that killed limo driver Costas "Gus" Christofi was withheld from the defense in Jayson Williams' manslaughter trial, his attorneys said Thursday.
The accusation opened the door for defense attorneys to seek a mistrial or even dismissal of all charges, attorney Joseph Hayden said.
Under New Jersey case law, a mistrial granted for prosecutorial misconduct could carry a finding of double jeopardy, meaning Williams could not be retried.
"He wants to win this case by any means necessary," defense attorney Billy Martin said of Hunterdon County First Assistant Prosecutor Steven Lember.
Martin described "a string of continuing conduct denying Mr. Williams a right to a fair trial," including the fact that "all black males were thrown off" during jury selection in January.
Lember fired back with equal fervor.
"I have been a virtual punching bag, day after day, week after week," Lember said. "It's like the old line goes: "If you have nothing else, just kill the messenger.' "
Closing arguments, scheduled for Tuesday, will be delayed by several days or more.
TORONTO FIRES GM: The Raptors fired general manager Glen Grunwald with two weeks left in a second straight losing season in which he clashed with the coach.
Former Pistons general manager Jack McCloskey replaced Grunwald on an interim basis. Grunwald has been with the Raptors since their inception in 1994.
"I think I can help in this situation," McCloskey said. "There has been great fan support; this team has an opportunity to get better."
FARM SYSTEM PLANNED: The NBA is planning to form a minor-league system similar to baseball's, in which players could be shuttled between affiliates and NBA teams, commissioner David Stern said. The minor league would be made up of teams in the NBA-owned and operated National Basketball Development League, which would be increased to 15 teams from six.
Thursday's games
BLAZERS 88, 76ERS 82: Zach Randolph scored 18 and Darius Miles had 18 points and 10 rebounds to lead visiting Portland, which has won nine of its past 12 to tie the Jazz for the eighth and final playoff spot in the West.
Miles, acquired in a midseason deal, had his second straight strong game for the Trail Blazers. He scored eight in the fourth, including two baskets that pushed the lead to four.
MAVS 127, KINGS 117: Michael Finley scored 29, Steve Nash had a career-high 19 assists and host Dallas handed Sacramento its fourth loss in five games.
