Former Nets player Bill Willoughby arrested after alleged fight with cops

William "Bill" Willoughby (BCSO)

William "Bill" Willoughby (BCSO)

HACKENSACK - A former Nets basketball player has been arrested following a scuffle with two city police officers trying to question him, according to

William "Bill" Willoughby, 58, was the subject of at least two suspicious person calls to police on Wednesday. When officers approached him on Clinton Place he became nervous and tried to run, according to the report.

A scuffle ensued and police found marijuana on him. He was arrested and later released on bail, the website reported.

He is charged with possession of marijuana, resisting arrest and aggravated assault on a police officer. The officers were treated at the hospital for shoulder and back injuries, according to the report.

The 6-foot, 8-inch Willoughby was born in Englewood and graduated from Dwight Morrow High School.

In 1975, while still a senior at the high school, Willoughby was regarded as the best high school player in the country, according to the New York Times. He became only the third player to jump to professional basketball out of high school.

He was released from the Nets in 1984 and later claimed he went broke after agents mismanaged $1 million of his money.
