Ad Disclosure
Former Alabama WR Jameson Williams facing potential warrant from October traffic stop
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Former Alabama star Jameson Williams has been involved in some off-field issues this season and is currently dealing with a 2nd suspension by the NFL. However, the Detroit Lions receiver could be facing more serious legal trouble after a traffic stop in early October.
According to Ross Jones with WXYZ Detroit, Williams was nearly arrested by Detroit police two weeks prior to his suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy. During a traffic stop on Oct. 8, officers located a gun inside a vehicle belonging to Williams.
JUST IN: Detroit police are investigating why Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams was released from custody after officers prepared to arrest him over a gun found underneath his seat on the passenger side.
https://t.co/5WHdYc5klu— WXYZ Detroit (@wxyzdetroit) October 29, 2024
Detroit police say Williams’ vehicle was originally stopped for speeding while being driven by his brother. Upon questioning, Williams’ brother disclosed two guns were in the car: one laying in the back seat with a second under Williams’ seat.
The gun in the backseat was registered to Williams’ brother who had a concealed pistol license. However, the gun under Williams’ seat was registered in his name but without possessing a CPL.
During the stop, the officer informed Williams he would be taken into custody while body cam footage shows Williams identifying himself as playing for the Lions. Williams was eventually handcuffed and placed in the squad car, and Detroit Police Commander Michael McGinnis supported the actions of the officers.
Here is a snippet of the body cam footage:
What are your thoughts on the Jameson Williams body cam footage?
He was almost arrested for a gun that was registered to Jameson but he did not have a Concealed Pistol License.
“I’m Jameson Williams, I play for the Detroit Lions.”
: @wxyzdetroit pic.twitter.com/jTCF8L35Wx
— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) October 29, 2024
“I feel that there was probable cause to arrest, and he was under arrest by the patrol officer,” McGinnis said. “And because of that, he should have been conveyed to the Detroit Detention Center and processed.”
However, Williams was never arrested. A supervisor was called to the scene, something that is not unusual for a high-profile stop per the police, and the sergeant who arrived immediately recognized Williams’ name.
Eventually, after a series of phone calls involving calls to superior officers, the sergeant and other officers released Williams. No police report was written or a warrant request submitted.
Since that time, Detroit police have opened an investigation into the incident while also submitting a warrant request to the Wayne Prosecutor’s Office. Williams is potentially facing a charge of carrying a concealed weapon in a motor vehicle.
The Detroit Lions have issued a statement on the matter, saying they “promptly” alerted the NFL to the matter.
On Jameson Williams and the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office reviewing a request for a warrant to arrest Williams on a charge of carrying a concealed weapon, NFL says: “The Lions promptly notified the league upon learning of the matter. We have no further comment at this time.”
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 30, 2024
Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
