The NFL has reportedly made its final decision regarding the punishment for a Detroit Lions star who was awaiting disciplinary action for an incident from last season.
The Detroit Lions are experiencing a busy offseason. Despite a strong 15-2 record going into the 2024 playoffs, the team suffered an early exit against the Washington Commanders, leaving a bad taste for their fans.
As the NFL offseason progresses, one Lions player has been waiting for a final decision on a potential punishment for actions taken off the field during the season. The incident did not occur on the field, but the NFL had been reviewing whether any discipline was necessary.
The NFL has now made its final call on punishing receiver Jameson Williams. According to NFL expert Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, Williams will not face any NFL discipline for carrying an unlicensed gun last fall.
“Jameson Williams won’t face NFL discipline for carrying an unlicensed gun from the fall, but the Detroit Lions WR has a big offseason looming as he’s eligible for a contract extension – or at least having his 5th year option exercised,” Birkett wrote in a February 19 post on X.
In Birkett’s full piece, he mentions that a league spokesperson confirmed to the Free Press on Wednesday that the issue is now “closed.”
The incident occurred last October when Williams was a passenger in a car that was pulled over for speeding. “Detroit Police found two guns in the car at the time of the stop,” Birkett states. “One was registered to Williams’ brother, the driver, and the other to Williams.” However, he adds, “Williams did not have a concealed pistol license to carry the weapon at the time but later obtained the permit.”
Under the NFL’s personal conduct policy, players can be suspended for actions such as “illegal possession of a gun or other weapon (such as explosives, toxic substances, and the like), or possession of a gun or other weapon in any workplace setting.”
Williams has already been suspended twice in his first three NFL seasons. The first suspension was for violating the league’s gambling policy, and the second was for a performance-enhancing drug violation. However, many argue that his talent is worth the controversy, as Williams had an outstanding 2024 season.
Williams finished the season third on the team with 58 receptions, 1,001 yards, and seven touchdowns, even though he missed two games due to his drug suspension. That marked his best season yet in the NFL, showcasing why Detroit chose him as the 12th overall pick in the 2022 draft.
Avoiding NFL penalties for the gun incident is a major win for Williams, especially as he becomes eligible for a contract extension this offseason. Detroit also has until May to exercise the fifth-year option on his contract.
As Brad Berreman of SideLion Report points out, “Williams can now go into the 2025 season with nothing off the field hanging over his head.” This is certainly a relief for both Williams and the Lions’ management.