Dallas Mavericks

Report: Former NBA player 'Hot Rod' Williams fighting for his life

Published Dec. 9, 2015 3:59 p.m. ET

foxsports

A member of the NBA family is reportedly in intensive care, as former Cleveland Cavaliers forward John "Hot Rod" Williams, who had previously been diagnosed with prostate cancer, has seen the malady spread.

According to The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer, the 53-year-old Williams is "fighting for his life":

Williams was drafted by the Cavaliers in the second round in 1986 out of Tulane University. He played for nine seasons in Cleveland, averaging 12.9 points and 7.1 rebounds per game with the Cavs. After his time in Cleveland, Williams played several seasons with the Phoenix Suns before finishing his career in Dallas.

Williams was embroiled in a point shaving scandal while in college, having been arrested on suspicion of taking money to influence the point spread in games. He was acquitted of all five charges stemming from the accusation.