Jameson Williams will not appeal his two-game suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances, the Detroit Lions wide receiver announced Thursday.
Williams released a statement on
“This week, I was informed by the NFL that I had been suspended for violating the performance-enhancing substances policy,” Williams said in a statement.
“The news came as a complete surprise that I’m still trying to understand.
“I don’t take supplements or vitamins and am overly cautious even though I take over-the-counter medications. At no time have I taken anything with the intent of cheating or seeking an unfair advantage. I understand that I am responsible for everything that goes into my body and I must take responsibility in this case.
“I have nothing but love and respect for this game, my teammates, my coaches, the Lions organization and the city of Detroit. It is disappointing to accept this suspension, and it will hurt me a lot. “Being away from the team as they prepare this week. So out of respect for my teammates, this will be the last time I address this subject.”
It is unclear what Williams did to violate this policy. but he told ESPN earlier this week that he had “no choice but to take it on the chin.”
The league officially announced suspension Thursday afternoon. Williamson will be eligible to return for the Lions’ game against the Houston Texans on November 10.
Williams has 361 yards and three touchdowns, both career highs, on 17 catches this season. Williams is averaging 21.2 yards per reception, which is second best in the league behind 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 Alabama’s No. 12 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. The 23-year-old had one catch and lost for 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 changed its playing rules and its sanctions. Williams missed the first 11 games of his rookie season while recovering from an ACL injury he suffered in college. So he has yet to play a full season in his NFL career.
Detroit improved to 5-1 on the season after Sunday’s win at Minneapolis, which marked its fourth straight victory. The win gave the Lions a slight edge over the Vikings in the NFC North race.
The Lions will host the Tennessee Titans this weekend. They will then travel to Green Bay to face the Packers in Week 9 while Williams completes his suspension.