Drug charges for Shawne Williams dropped

MEMPHIS, Sept. 13 (UPI) -- Drug charges against NBA free agent forward Shawne Williams have been dismissed after his successful completion of a diversion program.

After the Monday morning court session in Memphis, Williams boarded a plane to Las Vegas to take part in a training camp with more than 60 other NBA players idled since July 1 by an owners-imposed lockout, The (Memphis) Commercial Appeal reported.

Williams, 25, a former University of Memphis star, said he hopes to re-sign with the New York Knicks, for whom he played last season after stints with Dallas and Indiana, but noted overseas teams will be seeking to sign players if the lockout is not resolved.

A Chinese team might recruit him after monitoring his workout this week, Williams said.

"I might sign with them," Williams, who averaged 7.1 points last season, said. "But I'm planning on being under contract with the Knicks."

In January 2010, Williams was arrested on misdemeanor drug charges in Shelby County, Tenn.

He pleaded guilty, but was placed on diversion, a form of probation in which charges are erased after a specified period of good behavior and meeting other conditions.

Judge James Beasley Jr. congratulated Williams Monday on his completion of the program, saying he found him to be "a totally different person."