- A New Jersey appellate court has reinstated a lawsuit charging that Jayson Williams and his lawyers slandered a state trooper who investigated the fatal shooting at the retired New Jersey Nets player's star's mansion.

The three-judge panel ruled Wednesday that Trooper James Kiernan, who did not testify in Williams' manslaughter trial, was entitled to have complaints in his defamation lawsuit considered true before any dismissal, finding that a judge failed to give him the required benefit of the doubt when tossing the lawsuit in May 2004.

The trooper's lawsuit stemmed from a review of trooper service records by Williams' lawyers in an effort to find evidence of bias.

Williams' lawyers cited a 1989 traffic stop that led to Kiernan's being suspended for a year. The lawyers said Kiernan was accused of abusing an Orthodox rabbi and his female passenger, but the appellate decision said that was wrong.

According to a close friend of Vince Carter, his wife, Ellen, began divorce proceedings recently, which may become a significant factor in whether or not he remains with the Nets.

If Ellen were to gain custody of their 1-year-old daughter and elects to move back to Orlando or her own hometown in South Carolina, Carter could be motivated to sign with the Magic or Charlotte Bobcats just to stay close, as both teams have can sign him due to their significant cap space.

The last time Carter addressed his contract situation, he stated, "I just let it be as it may, and when the time comes, I'll deal with it."

Jay Williams' manager, Kevin Bradbury, told The Star-Ledger yesterday the Nets have invited the Plainfield native to take part in their training camp in six weeks. The point guard is "seriously considering" their invitation despite the lack of job security, Bradbury said.

"He's been working out every day with the Nets' coaches for a couple of weeks at their practice facility," Bradbury said yesterday. "But he hasn't accepted the invitation yet. That might not happen for a few more weeks, because he is considering other offers."

The offer Williams wants most, of course, would be one that includes guaranteed money -- which the Nets cannot give him because they will soon have 15 players under contract, the maximum allowed by the NBA.

The 24-year-old, however, has had trouble finding anything but make-good offers, as most teams believe he hasn't regained his skills since the near-fatal motorcycle crash on the north side of Chicago in June 19, 2003, which shattered his pelvis and left leg.

The contract buyout negotiations between Jeff McInnis and the New Jersey Nets have stalled, according to Rod Thorn.

They have also been trying to trade the guard, though he will not be attending training camp, even if he remains on the roster in October.

The New Jersey Nets have signed free agent guard Eddie House, Nets President Rod Thorn announced today.  As per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

"We are pleased to add Eddie to our roster," said Thorn.  "He is a proven veteran who will enhance our scoring off the bench."

House, a 6-1 guard out of Hayward High and Arizona State, averaged a career high 9.8 points for Phoenix during the 2005-06 season to go along with 1.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists on .422 (320-759) from the field and .389 (123-316) from three in 81 contests.  A six-year NBA veteran, House holds career averages of 7.3 points, 1.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 378 contests.

The New Jersey Nets have re-signed free agent forward Clifford Robinson, Nets President Rod Thorn announced today.  The team did not exercise its option on Robinson?s contract at the conclusion of the 2005-06 campaign.

?We are pleased to bring Cliff back to the Nets,? said Thorn.  ?He provides valuable depth off the bench for our frontcourt rotation.?

Former UNC product Jeff McInnis has worn out his welcome in yet another NBA town.  The New Jersey Nets have been attempting to trade the guard throughout the summer and have already informed him not to show up for camp in October.

The Pacers and Hawks are close to finishing a sign-and-trade deal that would send Al Harrington back to Indiana, but in case it isn't finalized yet again, the Lakers, Nets, Warriors, Celtics and Timberwolves are all ready to get into the mix for the veteran forward.

With news that the Nets have signed Eddie House, Al Iannazzone reports that the club has been trying to trade Jeff McInnis, but have been unsuccessful thus far.

A buyout of his $3.6 million contract remains an option.

Former Phoenix Suns guard Eddie House passed on a potential opportunity to join the Miami Heat, agreeing to a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the New Jersey Nets.

House averaged 9.8 points per game last season for the Phoenix Suns, the second highest total of his career. He also made 123 three-pointers.