Corey Williams update

NBL owner Larry Kestelman has penned the following letter about Corey 'Homicide' Williams, on behalf of the league's staff, players and fans. 

To our basketball family,

It’s been an incredibly difficult and challenging time following the news one of our favourite sons, Corey Williams, is in a fight of his life battling cancer.

We have been in close contact with Corey and his family since he was informed and we are constantly communicating with him as he undergoes treatment in New York.

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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw5jbncxe8y/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Corey Williams (@chomicide)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

Despite the toll chemotherapy is taking on him, Corey is in good spirits and is surrounded by his loved ones while receiving the best medical care available.  

Corey will remain in New York for the time being and we are doing what we can to support him and are looking for other ways we can help. We are well aware of the outpouring of support for him on social media, and we know he is truly grateful.

‘Homicide’ as he’s affectionately known, is one of the most loved figures in the NBL and was a champion on the court winning the 2010 NBL MVP. He played the game with immense passion, intensity, and joy and matched those incredible efforts off the court when he joined our team as a commentator and analyst for our broadcast and shows.

Corey has been one of the greatest ambassadors our game has ever seen. Always positive and enthusiastic, and never short of an opinion, his smile and energy lights up every room he walks into. Corey has helped me grow the League immeasurably over several years from when I took over, and his contribution will never be underestimated. I could not have asked for a better voice or partner to spread the word about our game to all corners of the globe.

Corey attacked every obstacle on and off  the court without fear or hesitation but now, he faces a challenge of a different kind and he’s going to need all the love, support and assistance we can provide.

To those wanting to know what they can do to help, we are currently working closely with Corey and his family to determine what’s needed and how we can best assist them. We encourage you to share this post and send him messages of support.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sending love &amp; positive vibes to Corey ‘Homicide’ Williams at this difficult time ??<br><br>If you can, send your best wishes to <a href="https://twitter.com/chomicide?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@chomicide</a> - he’s done so much for so many people - &amp; your support is important ? <a href="https://t.co/VyppVSx8Ij">pic.twitter.com/VyppVSx8Ij</a></p>&mdash; John Casey (@JohnCasey2880) <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnCasey2880/status/1698842533319627187?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Until then, we will provide further updates as they come to hand and on behalf of Corey and the Williams family, thank you for your thoughts, care and compassion.

One thing I know: Corey is a fighter and he will never give up but he will need much more help this time around, and we all must be ready to step up for him, as he would for us.

Regards,

Larry.