For the second week in a row, Lions head coach Dan Campbell spent a considerable portion of his Wednesday press conference verbalizing full support of suspended wide receiver Jameson Williams.
Campbell came to the defense of Williams as the latest off-field issue — and possible arrest — involving the former first-round pick came to light.
“Look, for me, I judge people over what’s in their heart, and I know what this kid’s made of and he’s worth hanging with,” Campbell said Wednesday.
Prosecutors are looking into whether Williams should be arrested in connection with a police stop on Oct. 8, according to Fox 2 in Detroit.
Authorities found two guns in a car driven by Williams’ brother, who was stopped for speeding, according to multiple reports. A pistol registered to Williams was found beneath his set, but he didn’t have a concealed pistol license required to transport a weapon in Michigan.
Campbell said they learned of the stop from Williams immediately after it took place.
“It certainly doesn’t look good. I get that,” Campbell said when asked about Williams potentially facing a third NFL suspension. “But at the same token, it kind of all came on here at the same time. And it’s really decision-making for him. And that’s where he knows he can be better. Don’t put yourself in those situations. He’s going to learn from this. I still think there’s been a ton of growth out of this kid.”
Williams has 17 receptions for 361 yards and three touchdowns through six games (four starts) this season.
Reacting to a suspension for performance-enhancing substances that began last week, Campbell took a similar tone last Wednesday. He said the team trusts Williams and will support him through the suspension.
“I trust this kid,” Campbell said Oct. 23. “I trust him. Unfortunately, you’ve got to pay for your sins. Something happens, and if this comes down, so be it. But I know this, we dangled a rope down on the way up. We can’t wait for anybody. Over a year ago, he started climbing his way up, and he got to us. Maybe he lost his grip, but he’ll climb back up again. That rope is still there. It’s tied to us, and he’ll be just fine. He’s part of this team, and I trust him.”
The 23-year-old served a four-game suspension in 2023 for using a mobile device to bet on non-NFL games while at a team facility. While the league hasn’t said Williams is facing a third suspension, the NFL can suspend players for off-field conduct and can consider the gravity of cumulative negative publicity.
Cowboys defensive end Sam Williams was hit with a three-game ban by the NFL earlier this week. Williams was charged with possession of a controlled substance and unlawful carrying of a weapon in August 2023 and had a previous citation for driving recklessly at speeds over 100 mph.
Selected 12th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Alabama, Williams missed 11 games his rookie season because of an ACL injury in his final college game.
He has 42 receptions on 81 targets for 756 yards and six TDs in 24 career games (14 starts).