According to WXYZ in Detroit, local police are investigating why Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams was released from custody after a gun was found in the car he was riding in during a traffic stop three weeks ago.
Body camera footage shows Williams was in the passenger seat while his brother was driving around midnight on October 8. They were pulled over for speeding. Williams’ brother disclosed there were two guns in the car-one in the backseat and one under the passenger seat. Per the news story, the gun under Williams’ seat was registered to him, but the Lions' receiver does not have a concealed pistol license (CPL). The other gun was registered to his brother, who had a license.
Williams was reportedly placed in handcuffs and put into the back of a police car. However, a sergeant later arrived on the scene, made several phone calls, and eventually Williams was released with no police report or warrant request.
Per the body camera footage and WXYZ, the officer clearly didn't know who Williams was, but Williams made it known.
"I play for the Lions, bro. I’m Jameson Williams,” he said at one point."
"Minutes later, he said: “Bro, I play for the Detroit Lions.”
"Minutes after that, he said once more: “Bro, I play for the Lions!”
WXYZ additionally reports that one point during the stop, Williams’ brother told police that the gun belongs to him. But later on, Williams would admit the gun was his.
“I got the gun for protection,” Williams said. “Do you guys know where I live at? Detroit!”
Jameson Williams' attorney and the Lions issue statements about the situation
Williams' attorney, Todd Flood, has released the following statement, seemingly suggesting the driver's license to carry covers both firearms. (h/t to Anthony Bellino of WJR Radio).
Via his attorney @floodlaw: pic.twitter.com/5mIluhnzyO
— Anthony Bellino (@ACBellino) October 29, 2024
The Lions have also issued a statement regarding the news report about Williams.
Statement from the Lions regarding the report on Jameson Williams pic.twitter.com/GxlhsdyhKC
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) October 29, 2024
Statement from the #Lions on Jameson Williams pic.twitter.com/dFxii1NypN
— Nolan Bianchi (@nolanbianchi) October 29, 2024
Williams is currently serving a two-game suspension for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing substance policy. He was also suspended what ended up being four games for violating the league's gambling policy last season.
The full story at WXYZ.com has more details about this developing story.
Update, 9:08 p.m. ET: Via Nolan Bianchi of the Detroit News, the Detroit Police Department has issued a statement about the investigation into the traffic stop involving Williams.
Statement from the Detroit Police Department regarding the investigation into a traffic stop involving #Lions WR Jameson Williams pic.twitter.com/T0pGm9jw9s
— Nolan Bianchi (@nolanbianchi) October 30, 2024
Update, 11:25 a.m. ET, Oct. 30: The NFL has issued a statement on the situation with Williams.
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