By admin Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams said the NFL’s two-game suspension for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances “came as a complete surprise.”
The impending suspension, which we reported earlier this week, became official on Thursday and Williams will miss Detroit’s games against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday and the Green Bay Packers on November 3. He will be able to rejoin the team on November 4.
“I was notified this week by the NFL that I have been suspended for violating the performance-enhancing substances policy,” Williams said in a statement released by his agency. “This news was a complete surprise that I am still trying to understand. I don’t take supplements or vitamins and I’m overly cautious, even when it comes to taking over-the-counter medications. I have never made any attempt to cheat or gain an unfair advantage. I understand that I am responsible for everything that goes into my body and in this case I must take responsibility.
“I have nothing but love and respect for this game, my teammates, coaches, the Lions organization and the city of Detroit. To accept this suspension is disappointing and will hurt me being away from the team preparing this week. Therefore, out of respect for my teammates, this will be the last time I will deal with this matter.
The NFL’s performance-enhancing substance policy states that a player can be suspended for two games for the first violation of testing positive for a prohibited stimulant, diuretic or masking agent. attempting to replace, dilute or adulterate a sample; or manipulating a test result.
Williams, a 2021 first-round draft pick out of Alabama, had 17 receptions for 361 yards, with three touchdowns and four rushes for 32 yards as Detroit posted a 5-1 record heading into the 2024 season.
This is Williams’ second NFL suspension. Williams was suspended last season for violating the NFL’s gambling rules by betting on non-league games at a team facility and also missed the first four games of the 2023 season.
“I trust this kid. I trust him,” Detroit coach Dan Campbell said during Wednesday’s news conference. “And unfortunately you have to pay for your sins. If something happens and it goes down, so be it. But I know this, on the way up we dangled the rope down. We can’t wait for anyone.
“And over a year ago he started climbing and reached us. And he may have lost his grip, but he’s climbing again. That rope is still there. It’s related to us and he’ll be fine. But he’s part of this team and I trust him.
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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.