Raiders’ Javon Walker subpoenaed: end of saga in Oakland?
Javon Walker has been subpoenaed to testfy in the trial of the alleged killer of former teammate Darrent Williams.
Oakland’s receiver will most likely testify in the trial of Willie Clark, who is the suspect that allegedly shot Williams after a nightclub altercation on New Year’s Day 2007.
Walker and Williams were members of the Denver Broncos and the wide receiver was next to Williams in a limousine that was showered by gunfire.
Jury selection for the trial will begin in February. Clark, 26, is charged with first-degree murder, but has denied firing any shots on that evening.
Walker told HBO’s “Real Sports” he was haunted by that event and still had objects from that frightful evening in an interview August 2007.
“I still have those clothes,” Walker replied.
When asked about the clothing, he said, “It’s just something that reminds me every day of what could happen and this is what happened to my friend. And this is like … what’s left of him is on my clothes.”
Walker signed with the Raiders in March of 2008. The six-year $55 million contract that included more than $16 million in guarantees will go down as one of the biggest free-agent bust signings for the organization.
He then restructured in March of 2009, saving the Raiders a reported $22 million. “We are very happy Javon agreed to restructure his contract and be a part of what we’re building here,” senior executive John Herrera said. “This shows his loyalty and commitment to being a member of the Oakland Raiders and we’re excited about that.”
The executive continued: “The guy can play, he’s proven that before. He was injured last year and didn’t get the chance to show what he can do. This gives him that opportunity.”
But Walker was a non-factor this season and was exiled on the inactive list all year, seemingly in the owner’s doghouse.
Walker stated in September of 2009, “I’m more than healthy enough.”
“I’m just going with the flow.”
Walker miffed the Raiders when he had a procedure done on his right knee that was a surprise to them during their camps. “We just found out about it,” Tom Cable said back in May. “Yeah, it is a little bit uncommon but we’re aware of it now and it was probably the right thing to do and get it cleaned up.”
It is expected that both parties will end their relationship with each other this off-season.
Oakland has a group of young players they like at wide receiver and at this point, there is no need to continue to keep a disenchanted bust on the roster that is ready to move on.
“That’s a done issue,” Walker commented in 2008 after reports circulated about the Raiders talking him out of retirement. “I’m not really sure what happened but that’s a done issue. That’s something that obviously people hear stuff. I’m here practicing, waiting, and [I] obviously can’t wait till the season starts.
“I’m in a great frame of mind. Why wouldn’t I [be]? I’m with a new team, a great bunch of guys. I’m looking forward to getting this season on the road and actually looking forward to going into next week and try to put everything together as a team and as an offense.”
That was just one incident after being called out by former coach Lane Kiffin for being out of shape and after he was reportedly abducted, beaten and robbed in Las Vegas. Walker was found on the side of a street with facial injuries after he was robbed for thousands of dollars worth of money and jewelry.
