By Priscilla Ann Ornido
In February 2011, Darrell Williams, a promising starter on Oklahoma State’s basketball team, was charged in the alleged sexual assault and rape of two women at a party. While there was no physical evidence or witnesses linking him to a crime, he was convicted in 2012 and ultimately spent three months in jail.
Williams had countless supporters despite the conviction, including civil rights activist and Baptist minister Reverend Jesse Jackson, who spoke in Stillwater, Oklahoma on his behalf. The Chicago Innocence Center also located evidence that helped prove his innocence. Through their efforts, the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals reversed Williams’ conviction in April 2014, making him the Center’s youngest exoneree.
Williams playing for Texas A&M Commerce. Photo: Jim Tuttle, Dallas Morning News http://bit.ly/1InX4jy
Returning to basketball after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus, Williams played for Texas A&M University-Commerce, where he recently completed his senior year. He was subsequently offered three NBA summer league invites by teams before picking the Bulls’ Summer League in Las Vegas.
“It’s crazy. I can’t even believe it right now. I’m just thankful for the opportunity,” said Williams.
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