Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams will not appeal a two-game suspension for two games for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substances policy, but said he the failed test leading to his second league-imposed ban was a “complete surprise.”
The official NFL announcement on Thursday afternoon confirmed media reports from earlier in the week. Williams will miss Sunday’s home game against the Tennessee Titans and the Nov. 3 game at the Green Bay Packers. The Lions (5-1) play the host Houston Texans on Nov. 10.
Williams released a statement through his agent, Rocky Arceneaux of Alliance Sports.
“This week I was notified by the NFL that I have been suspended for a violation of the Performance Enhancing Substances Policy,” he said.
“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.”
Williams has 17 receptions for 361 yards and three touchdowns through six games (four starts) this season.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell said Wednesday the team trusts Williams and will support him through his latest misstep.
“I trust this kid,” Campbell said. “I trust him. Unfortunately, you’ve got to pay for your sins. Something happens, and if this comes down, so be it. But I know this, we dangled a rope down on the way up. We can’t wait for anybody. Over a year ago, he started climbing his way up, and he got to us. Maybe he lost his grip, but he’ll climb back up again. That rope is still there. It’s tied to us, and he’ll be just fine. He’s part of this team, and I trust him.”
The 23-year-old served a four-game suspension in 2023 for using a mobile device to bet on non-NFL games while at a team facility.
Selected 12th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Alabama, he missed 11 games his rookie season because of an ACL injury in his final college game. He served a four-game suspension (reduced from six) in 2023 for using a mobile device to bet on non-NFL games while at a team facility — a violation of the NFL’s gambling policy.
He has 42 receptions on 81 targets for 756 yards and six TDs in 24 career games (14 starts).
