Detroit Lions’ Jameson Williams was one of the five NFL players suspended earlier this year for gambling violations. Of the Detroit Lions, the wide receiver is the only player still with the team after that violation. Not having him around for the first six games will be troublesome, though, as he’s a star player for the team.
Williams spoke with reporters about the suspension on Thursday (May 25). He told the press that he actually didn’t know the NFL had those specific, strict rules against gambling at team facilities.
Via Brad Galli of WXYZ Detroit tweeted a video of Williams saying, “It hit me out of the of blue. It hit a couple other players around the league and on my team out of the blue. I wasn’t aware of this situation, but as it happened, I took it on the chin. I was ready to move forward. As things moved on, I got the consequences. That’s been my whole plan, moving forward from things, just looking at the better days.”
Detroit Lions’ Jameson Williams also said he decided not to appeal the suspension, stating, “I just left it alone. They gave me six games and we left it that. Just looking forward to coming back Week 7, getting back on my team out there playing the game.” Listen to the latest episode of “The Squad with Anne Erickson” below.
5 Reasons the Lions Will Demolish the Packers (and Every Other NFL Team)
Jared Goff is Comfortable Against Green Bay
Jared Goff is good at, well, beating the Packers. He led the Detroit Lions to not one but two wins over Green Bay last season, and that was with Aaron Rodgers as his opposition. Goff just keeps getting more and more comfortable with the team, and there’s no reason he can’t lead the Lions to more wins over these rivals.
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 08: Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions warms up prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on January 08, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Aaron Rodgers is Out
Yes, Aaron Rodgers is no longer with the Green Bay Packers. Even though Rodgers has been, well, a mess lately, he’s still one of the top quarterbacks in the league. Without Rodgers, it’s going to be difficult for Green Bay to get footing, at least until Jordan Love gets settled in. That said, I think Love is solid and could bring a lot to the Packers franchise in the coming years. But, yeah, no Rodgers is going to hurt the Packers this year.
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 08: Aaron Rodgers #12 and Randall Cobb #18 of the Green Bay Packers walk off the field after losing to the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field on January 08, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Top-Notch Offense
The Detroit Lions had one of the best offenses in the NFL last season. In addition, aforementioned quarterback Jared Goff had his best season as a pro player. Now, with superstar running back David Montgomery in the fold and wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr., there’s nothing stopping the Lions from improving upon their already fantastic offense this coming season.
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 08: Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions throws a pass during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on January 08, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Dan Campbell's fight and personality
Dan Campbell is simply a likeable dude. That counts for something in the NFL and with his players. Campbell led the Lions to two wins over Green Bay last season, and he’s that same guy, calling the shots and pumping them up when they need it. He’ll help them win again.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 31: Head coach Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions while playing the Philadelphia Eagles at Ford Field on October 31, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Lions Chemistry
There are some factors in football – and in life, in general – that are intangible. Not to get too philosophical, but there’s that factor that you can’t really see, touch or understand, but it’s there. When Campbell and Goff joined the Lions, the team’s chemistry changed, and something magical happened. It’s hard to put a finger on it, but it’s there. It will help them beat Green Bay and other teams, to boot.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – DECEMBER 04: Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions looks to pass the ball during the first half of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Ford Field on December 04, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)