Defense Rests Its Case in Bribery Trial of Former Tulane Center Williams
The defense in the sports bribery retrial of former Tulane basketball player John (Hot Rod) Williams rested its case Friday, following testimony from his leukemia-stricken high-school coach and seven other witnesses.
Williams did not testify in his own defense, which lasted less than a day.
The week-old case is expected to go to the jury Monday, following closing arguments.
Prosecutors charge Williams schemed with eight others to shave points in February 1985 contests against Southern Mississippi and Memphis State. Williams is not allowed to play in the National Basketball Assn. while the charges are pending.
Tommy Wall, who coached Williams at St. Amant High School and said he was like a father to the former Tulane center, testified that he saw Williams compete in New Orleans against Memphis State on Feb. 20, 1985, and he observed “a very hard-working player,” not one trying to shave points by performing below par.
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