Tennis legend Serena Williams’ father, Richard Williams, famously known as “King Richard,” was recently fined $131 for speeding while driving a new silver Volkswagen truck. According to court documents, Williams was clocked at 44 mph in a 35 mph zone by a police laser gun.
Doctor’s plea: “You are advised not to drive”
Years earlier, during Williams’ divorce proceedings with his wife, Lakeisha Williams, his primary care physician, Dr. Monica Walker, raised concerns about his ability to drive. In a letter to the court, Dr. Walker highlighted Williams’ struggles with driving and directions. She wrote, “You have had problems with driving and directions. We discussed this and you stated you now have a driver. Time, place, and person comprehension have not been part of your memory difficulty. However, driving demands quick decisions in situations of uncertainty. You are advised not to drive because you do not have the ability to do this.”
Despite Dr. Walker’s warnings, Williams’ son, Chavoita LeSane, recently commented that his father is now well enough to drive, humorously noting that Williams is “too stubborn to give up driving.” He admitted, “My dad loves to drive, it’s his passion. He would never give up his license; it would be a sad day for him when he was unable to pass the test. He’s not going to change, and he has about a year and a half until he has to renew again.”
State laws and driving restrictions for seniors
Driving laws in the United States vary by state, with specific restrictions for motorists over the age of 70. In Florida, where Williams resides, he is permitted to drive but must renew his license every six years and undergo a vision test if he is over 80. Sources close to the family reveal that Williams regularly drives his young son, Dylan, 12, to and from school and even takes long-distance trips across state lines.
Health struggles and family support
Williams has faced significant health challenges, including three strokes and a subsequent “brain surgery” some years ago, following Dr. Walker’s initial warning. Although he continues to struggle with his speech, his family insists that he is well enough to drive. Chavoita previously stated, “The doctors in Miami did an amazing job, especially with his neuralgia/brain surgery. He drives again now and cares for himself mostly, he’s truly blessed.”
Williams underwent microvascular decompression (MVD), a procedure that relieves “abnormal compression of a cranial nerve causing trigeminal neuralgia, glossopharyngeal neuralgia, or hemifacial spasm,” according to online health sources. The procedure involves inserting a sponge between the nerve and artery to prevent pain signals, with no direct contact with the brain itself.
