Jonathan Williams avoids suspension by NFL for 2016 arrest
By Ryan Brennan
Buffalo Bills’ backup running back Jonathan Williams was arrested last year, but won’t face any discipline from the NFL over the incident.
Last season, Buffalo Bills‘ rookie running back Jonathan Williams didn’t really get a chance to shine. He was plugged in behind LeSean McCoy and Mike Gillislee, who helped lead the league’s top rushing attack.
This season, the second-year back is ready to assume the backup role in Buffalo — unless someone else outshines him in training camp. To give the back some momentum before that kicks off in late July, the NFL recently informed Williams that he won’t be facing any discipline for an arrest that occurred one year ago.
The incident happened in July 2016, before Jonathan Williams’ rookie season began. He was arrested for suspicion of drunk driving, but it turned out the prosecution couldn’t gather enough evidence to prove it all. Luckily for Williams, that means he gets away scott-free.
Williams was officially found not guilty early in June, with this adding on to the good news surrounding the incident. The running back’s attorney commented on Williams’ behalf:
"“The prosecution simply didn’t have enough evidence to prove he was intoxicated. Jonathan is a good person and he is glad this is behind him so he can concentrate on his family and football,” said his attorney, Shane Wilkinson."
Williams is ready to prove that he is more than a third-string this season. Already the favorite for the backup role behind LeSean McCoy, a strong training camp and preseason would guarantee that.
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Early in the offseason, Williams talked to Chris Brown of buffalobills.com and stated:
"I’ve always just tried to make the best of what I get. Each carry I get I’m going to go 100 percent. I’m behind a guy that’s probably a future Hall of Famer. He’s still somebody I can learn a lot from. I’m in just my second year and I’m young. I have goals to be a starting running back and be that go-to guy, but right now I’m still learning. I’m following the process. I’m working as hard as I can every day to increase my role and hopefully it will happen."
It definitely seems like head coach Sean McDermott’s attitude is rubbing off on the rest of the Buffalo Bills‘ roster, which is great to see for a team that lacked effort last season.
At least we know there won’t be any distractions for Jonathan Williams heading into training camp. In fact, this probably lifted a huge weight off the young back’s shoulders.
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How do you see Jonathan Williams performing this season? Leave your thoughts below!