The Dallas Mavericks employ Shawne Williams. He’s officially on their roster. The 6-9 forward is earning more than $2 million.

But Williams is not mentioned in the team’s game notes. You won’t see the former University of Memphis standout on the Mavs’ bench when they visit the Grizzlies tonight.

“He was asked to leave,” Mavs owner Mark Cuban wrote in an e-mail. “Can’t get into it beyond that.”

Cuban gave the Dallas Morning News a more blunt response: “We got Shawne Williams and took a chance on him. It didn’t work out and we put him out to pasture.”

What ever happened to Shawne Williams?

The 23-year-old Memphian out of Hamilton High, whose hoops dream got interrupted by some incidents, finds his career on hold. He’s literally being paid to stay away from the Mavs.

Listen to Williams, and he doesn’t sound disturbed or discouraged.

“I just feel like there were a lot of irreconcilable differences,” Williams said. “If I could be there, I would be there. It’s not like I’m not there by choice. It’s by force. But I don’t have a grudge. Mark’s a great owner. He’s hands-on. He likes basketball. We’re just two different people. It’s a business.”

On the surface, Williams is experiencing the same treatment the Indiana Pacers dished to Griz point guard Jamaal Tinsley nearly two years ago. Both players were told to stay away from their respective franchises even though they could play at a high level.

The Mavs had little complaints about his basketball ability. They consider him a talent. His toughness, skill set and love for the game were never brought into question.

The Mavs, much like the Pacers, quickly became disenchanted by Williams’ lifestyle off the court. But Williams is convinced he’ll be celebrated again in the NBA; that he won’t be a ghost for long.

“I’m a comeback kid,” Williams said. “I’ll be back.”