Detroit police are currently investigating an incident involving Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams, who was not arrested after a traffic stop where a firearm without a concealed-carry permit was found under his seat. The gun, registered to Williams, was discovered during a stop on October 8, where he was a passenger in a vehicle driven by his brother, who possesses a concealed-carry permit for his own firearm.
The police chief expressed disappointment regarding how the situation was handled, noting that Williams should have been processed at the Detroit Detention Center. Williams, who stated his need for the gun for protection, was initially handcuffed and placed in a patrol car but was later released after a senior officer decided against arresting him, leading to questions surrounding the police department’s decision.
The Wayne County prosecutor’s office is now reviewing the case to determine if charges should be filed. Meanwhile, Williams’ attorney argued that because his brother had a concealed-carry permit, there were no violations of law.
In light of this incident, Williams is already facing challenges in his career, as he is serving a two-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substance policy, adding to a previous four-game suspension for a related gambling policy violation. Lions coach Dan Campbell acknowledged the severity of the situation but expressed confidence in Williams, indicating that this experience could promote personal growth.
This situation underscores the complexities athletes face when navigating both their professional responsibilities and their personal choices. It remains to be seen how this will affect Williams’ career moving forward, but there is optimism that he will learn from these experiences and continue to develop as an individual and player.