With a year that’s full of high expectations for the Detroit Lions, 2023 is not exactly going the way 2nd-year wide receiver Jameson Williams hoped it would. Detroit’s dress code for day 8 of training was full pads, and it surely wasn’t lacking in intensity. According to Sports Illustrated, became involved in a heated skirmish with undrafted rookie free agent cornerback Starling Thomas, in front of a packed house at the team’s Allen Park practice facility.
Here is what they had to say about the altercation:
“After celebrating excessively in his face following forcing an incompletion, Williams did not take too kindly and swatted at Thomas’ helmet forcefully.”
Now, that in itself is no big deal. Skirmishes and altercations during training camp happen all the time, every year. More often than not, it’s seen as a good thing because it means the team is highly motivated. To push themselves and their respective teammates to be their very best every time they step out onto the field.
What makes this incident a little different from the others is the fact that Williams is currently serving a six-game suspension for allegedly gambling. Albeit he did take full responsibility for his actions, according to Alliance Sports:
“Jameson takes full responsibility for his actions and is very apologetic to the NFL, his teammates and the fans and city of Detroit,” Alliance Sports said. “However, it is important to note that Jameson’s violation was not for betting on football but rather due to a technical rule regarding the actual location in which the online bet was placed—and which would otherwise be allowed by the NFL outside of the club’s facility. Jameson would never intentionally jeopardize the integrity of the game he loves so much and looks forward to getting back to his team as soon as possible.”
Many have the Lions projected to win the NFC North this season, which would be the first time in literally decades if they do. Williams will be counted on to make a big impact offensively, thus he can’t afford to have any further missteps until he’s established himself.
I’ll tell you what, though. If they manage to win the division in spite of all the stuff they’ve had to navigate this offseason, then they absolutely deserve it more than any other NFC North team.
𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: #Lions WR Jameson Williams has been struggling in camp today, @AryePulli noted
He dropped two passes earlier in practice, struggled in 1-on-1s and threw a punch at rookie DB Starling Thomas after he forced an incomplete pass and began trash talking
Jameson… pic.twitter.com/aeoeRIObfM
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) July 31, 2023
Lions WR Jameson Williams is motivated to prove himself after suspension.
"I'm just hoping to go put a show on, with me and my team," he said. "I got a lot of expectations, but the main goal is to win." pic.twitter.com/MBH5vx5niM
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) July 31, 2023
