Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams said in a statement on Thursday that he has accepted and come to terms with a two-game suspension by the NFL for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substances policy. This is strike two and now we will have to wait and see how he redeems himself from this latest setback.
Williams, the No. 12 pick out of the University of Alabama in the 2022 draft, will now miss the Lions’ next two games, Week 8 against Mason Rudolph and the Tennessee Titans and Week 9 versus Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers in a NFC North battle.
“This week I was notified by the NFL that I have been suspended for a violation of the Performance Enhancing Substances Policy,” Williams said in a statement, via his agency. “The news came as a complete surprise that I am still trying to understand. I don’t take supplements or vitamins and I am overly cautious about even taking over-the-counter medicine. At no time have I ever taken something in an attempt to cheat or look for an unfair advantage. I understand that I am responsible for everything that goes into my body and I have to take accountability in this instance.
“I have nothing but love and respect for this game, my teammates, coaches, the Lions organization and the City of Detroit. It is disappointing to accept this suspension, and it will hurt me to be away from the team as they prepare this week. So out of respect to my teammates, this will be the last time I address this matter.”
The news of a potential ban was initially came down the pipes on Monday by ESPN. Williams was a full participant in practice on Wednesday, but coach Dan Campbell told the media that the team did not anticipate having his services for this Sunday’s game against Tennessee.
Embed from Getty ImagesAlthough Williams’ career has gotten off to a rocky start, Campbell is standing behind him and says he still has faith that Williams can grow and learn from this incident. The team will rely on its other receiving weapons such as Amon-Ra St. Brown, Allen Robinson, Kalif Raymond, Tim Patrick and tight end Sam LaPorta to help pick up the slack.
“I trust this kid. I trust him. And unfortunately, you’ve got to pay for your sins,” Campbell said, via ESPN. “If something happens and this comes down, so be it. But I know this, we dangled the rope down on the way up. We can’t wait for anybody.
“And over a year ago, he started climbing his way up and he got to us. And maybe he lost his grip, but he’ll climb back up again. That rope’s still there. It’s tied to us, and he’ll be just fine, but he’s part of this team and I trust him.”
The suspension will momentarily halt what has so far been a breakout season for Williams, who has already set career-marks in receiving yards (361) and touchdowns (three) just six games into his third season.
Williams served a four-game suspension in 2023 for violating the NFL’s gambling policy and finds himself in hot water again one year later for a separate issue.
