Jameson Williams Did Not Properly Understand NFL Gambling Rule
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams stood in front of reporters after organized team activities, and addressed the six-game suspension that resulted from his actions last season inside the confines of what is considered a team facility.
Williams, who is able to participate in all offseason activities, including OTAs, training camp and preseason games, expressed he did not properly understand the NFL rules or the consequences that would be levied against those who gamble within a team facility.
"The suspension is pretty much, it is what it is. The policy, I broke the policy. I pretty much look past those things," Williams explained. "The situation, like I said, it is what it is. I'm just happy to be out here, get this time with my guys. I didn't get a chance to do this last year. I'm happy I get a chance to do that."
Moving forward, Williams is hoping to put the significant mistake behind him, as he looks forward to his sophomore campaign in the NFL.
"It was pretty much like, the consequences were handed to me. It was nothing I could, I didn't want to stress myself out any more than it was. So, I just look forward to the better days, the happy days," Williams indicated. "Like I said, being out here with my teammates, getting a chance to do things I didn't get to do last year."
The speedy wideout took accountability for his actions, but did not reveal where exactly the violation occurred.
Williams did point out that he is focused on winning games this season, and improving and aiding the Lions, when he is able to return in Week 7.
"I want to win games. When I come back, we got to make the playoffs. It's the No. 1 goal," Williams said. "I want to just make the playoffs, go deep in the playoffs. Hopefully win the Super Bowl, things like that. I just want to win games with my team."
When asked if it was a regular occurrence, betting on games, Williams emphasized he was not heavily focused on gambling.
"I'm not a gambler. I'm a football player," Williams noted.
Social media is not the real world
When questioned about his actions online, Williams wanted it known that he did not intend for others to misconstrue his liking of posts on Twitter and Instagram.
"I love (Jared) Goff. We are out here. We got a perfect relationship," Williams said. "Nothing has went down in our relationship. We still have a tight relationship. Like nothing's really happened between us. It's just social media. It's Twitter."
In the young wideout's view, he is not the only professional athlete posting online, but feels that the social media world is not indicative of real life.
"Things that I like on the Instagram, Twitter, I hope those don't lead people the wrong way. But, it's social media. This is real life. That's social media," Williams expressed.
