ALLEN PARK -- Lions receiver Jameson Williams doesn’t know how he violated the NFL’s performance enhancing substances policy, but has decided against appealing the ruling. He’ll miss games against Tennessee and Green Bay without pay and is eligible to return for a prime-time game against Houston in Week 10.
“The news came as a complete surprise that I am still trying to understand,” Williams said in a written statement issued through his agency. “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.”
This is the second time in as many seasons that Williams has expressed confusion over a league suspension. He was also banned for the first six games of last season for betting on non-NFL games from a team facility, although that was later knocked down to four games. Williams later said he didn’t know the rule and was shocked by the suspension.
“I was sick,” Williams said then. “I was hurt because I ain’t knew things like this was coming.”
Williams heated up after returning to the Lions that season, then has thrived after moving into the WR2 role this year. He already has 361 receiving yards, a new career high, and ranks second in the league in yards per catch. He’s the most explosive pass catcher down the field in Detroit, and his speed threat helps stretch defenses vertically.
Without him, the Lions are expected to rely more heavily on role players like Tim Patrick, Allen Robinson, Kalif Raymond and perhaps Isaiah Williams.
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