Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams said his two-game suspension by the NFL for violating the league’s Policy on Performance-Enhancing Substances “came as a complete surprise.”
The impending suspension, 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 Nov. 3. He will be eligible to rejoin the team on Nov. 4.
“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 released by 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.”
The NFL Policy on Performance-Enhancing Substances says a player can be suspended for two games for a first violation of testing positive for a prohibited stimulant, diuretic or masking agent; attempting to substitute, dilute or adulterate a specimen; or manipulating a test result.
A 2021 first-round draft choice from Alabama, Williams has 17 receptions for 361 yards with three touchdowns and four rushing attempts for 32 yards as Detroit has compiled a 5-1 record in the 2024 season.
This is the second NFL suspension for Williams. Williams was suspended last season for violating the NFL’s gambling policy by betting on non-league games while at a team facility, and he missed the first four games of the 2023 campaign.
“I trust this kid. I trust him,” Detroit coach Dan Campbell said during his Wednesday press conference. “And, unfortunately, you’ve got to pay for your sins. 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.”
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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.
