ALEXANDRIA TOWNSHIP, N.J. -- A lawyer for former basketball star Jayson Williams has denied a newspaper report that his client was playfully handling a gun when a limousine driver was fatally shot.

	Pallbearers carry Costas Christofi's casket following his funeral service Wednesday, Feb. 20.

Williams had been showing off his shotgun at his mansion, flipping it around, when it suddenly went off, The Star-Ledger of Newark reported Saturday, citing unidentified sources.

But his lawyer, Joseph Hayden, told the newspaper for Sunday's editions: "There is no basis in fact for any allegation that Mr. Williams was involved in any horseplay with a gun. There was no purposeful or reckless behavior on Mr. Williams' part."

Acting Hunterdon County Prosecutor Steven C. Lember has not said who is believed to be the shooter and said there are no immediate plans for an arrest. He has said Williams, his brother Vincent, and about 10 guests were in the house at the time.

The Star-Ledger, The Record of Hackensack and several broadcast stations have reported that unidentified law enforcement sources told them Williams, 33, accidentally fired the gun.

Williams' agent, Sal DiFazio, has characterized The Star-Ledger's description of the events as "a very accurate portrayal of where everything is, as far as I know." He declined further comment and referred questions to Hayden.

Hayden has said the death was an "unfortunate accident."

Hayden could not be reached for comment Sunday; no one answered the phone at his law firm. A message left at Williams' home was not returned.

Authorities were called to Williams' 65-acre estate early Thursday and found Costas Christofi, 55, in a bedroom with a gunshot wound to his chest. Authorities have said the shotgun appeared to be one of several owned by the former basketball star.

Investigators quickly ruled out suicide, and the death was classified as suspicious after a preliminary review by the medical examiner.

Christofi had been hired by Williams to take friends from a charity sporting event featuring the Harlem Globetrotters in Bethlehem, Pa., to a restaurant, and then to Williams' home, about 30 miles northwest of Trenton.

The 6-foot-10 Williams was once among the NBA's best rebounders, but leg injuries ended his basketball career. He retired in 1999 and now works for NBC Sports as a studio analyst.