Texas Tech dad Jason Williams back in stands after controversial WCWS exit

OKLAHOMA CITY — Jason Williams has returned to Devon Park.

>The former NBA point guard and father of Texas Tech second baseman Mia Williams was back for Game 2 of the Women’s College World Series final on Thursday night after initially leaving and going home to Orlando, Florida, missing the Red Raiders’ loss to Texas in Game 1.

>Williams was keeping a low-profile, wearing a blue shirt, white hat and sunglasses and sitting in the back row of the player’s guests section behind the Texas Tech dugout. None of his crew from Barstool Sports — who had been capturing content around Williams’ activity and celebrations in Oklahoma City — appeared to be with him.

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Jason Williams has returned to OKC: pic.twitter.com/CU4XpUYxwP

— Mitchell Northam (@primetimeMitch) June 5, 2026The flashy point guard turned softball dad had created viral moments from the bleachers, from getting briefly ejected during Texas Tech’s Super Regional win at his alma mater Florida, to jumping for joy when Mia hit a walk-off home run against Alabama. Much of it was captured by Tate Moore — who goes by the moniker Ohio Tate — for Barstool Sports, generating millions of views on social media.

>But Williams explained in an interview with former NFL tight end Greg Olsen on Wednesday that he believed too much of the attention was focused on him and not his daughter’s softball team.

>“I was feeling too much heat out there to be honest with you, bro,” Williams said. “It was all about me, Greg, and I decided — as a dad — to come on back home and let them girls shine, bro. I’ve had my shine, mine’s over. It’s time for them girls to shine.”

>But Williams hinted he might return for Game 2, and indeed, he has.

>“No one really said that I needed to go home because of the shine and stuff like that — I’ve chose to do that on my own,” Williams said. “And who knows, I may be in Oklahoma City tomorrow, Greg. You never know with me, bro. Depends on which way the wind’s blowing. So, we’ll see.”

>Williams played 12 seasons in the NBA with the Sacramento Kings, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat and Orlando Magic. He earned the nickname “White Chocolate” for his swaggering, street-ball style of play. His swift handle and nifty passes created countless memorable highlights, and he won a championship with the Heat in 2006.

>His daughter has emerged as Texas Tech’s best offensive player this postseason, leading the team in home runs (27), doubles (24), runs (93), total bases (197) and RBIs (87). She’s the first player in program history to have at least 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases in a single season and she’s hit safely in 21 of her last 24 games.

>This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: After leaving WCWS, Jason Williams quietly returns for Texas Tech vs. Texas