HoopsHype.com Rumors

Former NBA player Marcus Williams has been banned from playing in China for six months after testing positive for marijuana, in what is said to be the first drugs case in the country's professional basketball league. The ex-San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Clippers player, who is with Shanxi Zhongyu Brave Dragons, was banned by the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) on Monday after testing positive on December 9, state-run media said. Xinhua news agency said it was the first drugs case in the CBA league's 17-year history. "To all the CBA fans, Shanxi fans, sponsors, as well as my coaches and players, I sincerely apologise. I have let a lot of people down and I regret it," Williams, 26, said on his microblog on Sina Weibo, China's version of Twitter. SBS

China, Marcus Williams 

John Hollinger: BTW, the first-rounder New Jersey would reportedly include was given to them by Golden State for Marcus Williams. Fine work, gentlemen. Twitter

Denver Nuggets, New Jersey Nets, Trade, Carmelo Anthony, Marcus Williams 

A huge disappointment in the NBA, Connecticut’s Marcus Williams is headed across the pond. Williams signed with Russia’s BC Enisey Krasnoyarsk despite appearing in 62 games with the Grizzlies last season. He was considered a steal when the Nets took him 22nd overall in the 2006 NBA Draft; maybe scouts knew something we didn’t. Lost Lettermen

Memphis Grizzlies, Russia, Marcus Williams