10-24-2024, 05:09 PM
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams said in a statement on Thursday that he has accepted a two-game suspension by the NFL for violating the league's performance-enhancing substances policy.
Williams will now miss the Lions' next two games (Week 8, vs. Titans; Week 9, at Packers).
"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."
News of a potential suspension was first reported on Monday by ESPN. Williams participated in practice on Wednesday, but Campbell told reporters that the team did not anticipate having him available for this Sunday's game against Tennessee.
"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's already set career-highs 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 sidelined again one year later for a separate issue.
Williams will now miss the Lions' next two games (Week 8, vs. Titans; Week 9, at Packers).
"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."
News of a potential suspension was first reported on Monday by ESPN. Williams participated in practice on Wednesday, but Campbell told reporters that the team did not anticipate having him available for this Sunday's game against Tennessee.
"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's already set career-highs 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 sidelined again one year later for a separate issue.
