Report: Dismissed Auburn WR Duke Williams punched four people at bar
Dismissed Auburn wide receiver D’haquille “Duke” Williams punched four people at a bar on Saturday night, reports AL.com's Mark Helm.
Williams, who was dismissed from the team by head coach Gus Malzahn on Monday night, reportedly punched two security guards, a bartender assistant and another bar patron following Auburn's 35–21 win over San Jose State on Saturday night.
“When individuals fail to meet the expectations of our program, there has to be consequences,” Malzahn said about Williams’ dismissal. “I gave D’haquille the chance to prove himself. I am disappointed that it did not work out.”
A witness said the altercation was ignited when Williams’ friend was asked to leave the bar for violating its dress code policy. The 22-year-old senior was said to have been intoxicated at the time of the incident.
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A preseason All-SEC pick, Williams had previously been suspended by the Tigers for the Outback Bowl last January when he violated team rules, and subsequently missed the start of training camp this August for undisclosed behavioral issues.
In five games this season, Williams had 12 catches for 147 yards and a touchdown. As a junior-college transfer in 2014, Williams accumulated 45 catches for 730 yards and five touchdowns for the Tigers.
Auburn (3–2) will travel to Kentucky (4–1) to face the Wildcats at Commonwealth Stadium on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET.
- Kayla Lombardo
