Lions WR Jameson Williams accepts 2-game suspension for violating NFL performance-enhancing substances policy
Detroit star was suspended last season for violating the NFL's gambling policy
Jameson Williams will not appeal his two-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substances policy, the Detroit Lions wide receiver said on Thursday.
Williams posted a statement on X via his agent saying it's a punishment he is "still trying to understand," but also noting he will accept the two-game ban.
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"This week I was notified by the NFL that I have been suspended for a violation of the Performance Enhancing Substances Policy," said Williams in a statement.
"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, andit 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."
It’s unclear what Williams did to violate the policy, but he told ESPN earlier this week that he has “no choice but to take it on the chin.”
The league officially announced the suspension on Thursday afternoon. Williams will be eligible to return for the Lions’ matchup with the Houston Texans on Nov. 10.
Williams has 361 yards and three touchdowns, both of which are career-highs, on 17 catches this season. Williams is averaging 21.2 yards per reception, which is the second-best in the league behind only Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce. He is also second on the team in receiving yards and touchdowns behind Amon-Ra St. Brown.
The Lions first selected Williams with the No. 12 pick out of Alabama in the 2022 NFL Draft. The 23-year-old had one catch and lost 4 yards in the Lions’ 31-29 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.
Williams was also suspended four games last year for betting on non-NFL games in 2022. He was initially suspended six games before the suspension was reduced after the league tweaked its gambling rules and punishments. Williams missed the first 11 games of his rookie season while recovering from an ACL injury he sustained in college, so he's yet to play a full season in his NFL career.
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Detroit improved to 5-1 on the season after Sunday's win in Minneapolis, which marked its fourth straight victory. The win gave the Lions the slight edge over the Vikings in the NFC North race.
The Lions will host the Tennessee Titans this weekend. They'll then travel to Green Bay to take on the Packers in Week 9 while Williams wraps up his suspension.
