Lions’ Jameson Williams Suspended Two Games Violating PED Policy, But Coach Campbell Still Backs Him

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams decided not to appeal his two-game suspension with the NFL. On Monday, the league stated that the former Alabama wide-out violated the league’s performance-enhancing substances policy and would be required to sit out two games. Williams released a statement detailing his decision not to appeal.

“This week, I was notified by the NFL that I have been suspended for a violation of the performance-enhancing substances policy,” he said in a statement. “The news came as a complete surprise that I am still trying to understand. I don’t take supplements or vitamins, and I am overly cautious about even taking over-the-counter medicine. At no time have I ever taken something in an attempt to cheat or look for an unfair advantage. I understand that I am responsible for everything that goes into my body, and I have to take accountability in this instance.”

Williams has been in the league for only three seasons but now misses substantial time in all of them. In his rookie season, he missed 11 games due to an ACL injury. Last season, the league suspended him for four games because he violated its gambling policy. Unfortunately for the wide receiver, 2024 was his most productive year, with 361 yards in six games, the most in a campaign for him. He will miss out on the games against the Tennessee Titans at home and Green Bay Packers on the road. Here is what his head coach, Dan Campbell, said about the matter.

“I know this: we’ve dangled a rope down on the way up, we can’t wait for anybody, and over a year ago, he started climbing his way up, and he got to us, and maybe he lost his grip, but he’ll climb back up again. That rope’s still there, it’s tied to us and he’ll be just fine. But he’s part of this team, and I trust him.”

The Lions are 1st in the NFC North with a 5-1 record.