Lions head coach Dan Campbell continues to staunchly defend Jameson Williams

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams is in the news for the wrong kind of reason, again, after Tuesday night's report from WXYZ that police are investigating an incident related to the possession of a handgun on Oct. 8.

Williams has one game left in his two-game suspension for a violation of the NFL's performance-enhancing substance policy, and he was suspended four games last season for violating the league's gambling policy. A third career suspension is possible, if things play out a certain way.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell addressed Williams' PES suspension when he met with the media last week, and he had to address this week's news during his press conference before Wednesday's practice.

Dan Campbell continues to defend and vouch for Jameson Williams

"I've known about all this", Campbell said to open his press conference on Wednesday. 'I know we put out a statement. Kid has been truthful to us and we're good."

Asked if he felt this was a step back for Williams after the growth he has shown, Campbell couldn't hide candidness behind his generally apparent resignation to be talking about Williams' latest thing.

"No, I mean look, I know that it certainly doesn’t look good. I get that," Campbell said. "But at the same token, it kind of all came on here at the same time and it’s really decision making for him. That’s where, he knows he can be better. Don’t put yourself in those situations. He’s gonna learn from this, grow from it. And I still think there’s been a ton of growth out of this player.”

Campbell was then asked if Williams appreciates how quickly his football career can be derailed by these kind of issues.

"I think he does. I think he’s become more and more aware of that over time, and I think he does," Campbell said. "Look, for me, I judge people for what’s in their heart, and I know what this kid’s made of. And he’s worth hanging with. And so, he’s gonna learn from this, he’s gonna grow, he’ll be better for all this.” 

Campbell was asked what the team can do to help Williams avoid situations like the one that came to light Tuesday night.

"You continue to coach him up on it, teach him and let him know this is a different environment," Campbell explained. "And you’ve got to understand that you’re looked at different and you’re viewed different. Anybody else out there, something happens and nobody even knows about it. Whereas, they’re looking, and any little thing can turn into a huge thing here. You’ve just got to do your best to stay out of those situations, where something like this doesn’t come up.” 

Campbell dismissed the idea that Tuesday night's news will be a big distraction, comparing Williams' absence for one more game under his current suspension to an injured player being unavailable.

"No, you'd rather not be dealing with it and you don't want the players to have to deal with it," Campbell said. "But at the same token, I really do feel like for us and the players, it's a little bit of a non-issue. He's not here, he's in the building and he's doing what he can. But we also know we didn't have him last week, we're prepared not to have him this week, and that's just kind of how we roll."

"Really no different than, unfortunately, a guy who's injured, he's gonna be out, then we're about the guys who are gonna play and getting them ready to go," Campbell continued. "We don't bat an eye, and how are those guys gonna help us win the next game. I do feel like that's where we're at as a team. No, I'd rather not answer (the question), but on the same token I don't feel like this is a big distraction."

Check out Campbell's entire Wednesday press conference below.