ALLEN PARK — Lions coach Dan Campbell continues to stand behind wide receiver Jameson Williams who faces a possible third NFL suspension.
“For me, I judge people over what’s in their heart. I know what this kid is made of and he’s worth hanging with and so he’s going to learn from this. He’s going to grow, he’ll be better for all of this,’’ Campbell said on Wednesday.
Williams is under a two-game suspension – he won’t play on Sunday at Green Bay – for violating the League’s drug policy. Now he faces possible suspension for gun-related charges.
The team released a statement on Tuesday: “Jameson made us aware immediately that he was a passenger in a routine traffic stop on October 8th. We discussed the incident with him and have kept the league informed of what we know. We understand he was released without incident or citation. It was now our understanding that the Detroit Police Department is revisiting the matter. Jameson has hired an attorney, and we will not be commenting further out of respect for the legal process.’’
Campbell said the details that Williams shared match up with the police account. The coach said he knows it doesn’t look good.
“I get that. But at the same token it kind of all came on here at the same time and it’s really decision-making for him. He knows he can be better, don’t put yourself in those situations,’’ Campbell said. “He’s going to learn from this, grow from it, we’ve talked about it. I still think there’s been a ton of growth out of this player.’’
Without Williams, the Lions (6-1) beat the Titans 52-14 on Sunday. So far this season Williams has 17 catches for 361 yards and three touchdowns.
“You’d rather not be dealing with it and you don’t want the players to deal with it, by the same token, I really do feel like for us and the players it’s a little bit of a non-issue,’’ Campbell said. “He’s not here, he’s in the building, he’s doing what he can but we didn’t have him last week. We’re prepared not to have him this week. That’s how we roll really no different than unfortunately a guy who’s injured. He’s not going to play, he’s going to be out. We’re about the guys who are going to play and getting them ready to go. We don’t bat an eye. How are those guys going to help us win the next game? I do feel that’s where we’re at as a team … I don’t feel like this is a big distraction.’’
Campbell said he will continue to coach him up and teach him, instilling in him that life is different in the NFL.
“You have to understand you’re looked at different and you’re viewed different. Anybody else out there something happens, nobody knows about it,’’ Campbell said. “They’re looking. Any little thing can turn into a huge thing. You have to do your best to stay out of those situations where something like this doesn’t come up.’’
Williams, a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft, was suspended at the start of the 2023 season by the NFL for gambling.
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