Lions' Jameson Williams: PES suspension was a 'complete surprise'

Detroit Lions receiver Jameson Williams says he was blindsided by his suspension.

On Thursday, the NFL announced that Williams has been suspended two games without pay for violating the NFL's Performance-Enhancing Substances (PES) policy. Although he accepted the suspension, Williams said news of his suspension "came as a complete surprise that I am still trying to understand."

"This week I was notified by the NFL that I have been suspended for a violation of the Performance Enhancing Substances Policy," Williams, 23, said in a statement shared on social media by his agent, Rocky Arceneaux. "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 called the suspension "disappointing," but told ESPN earlier this week that he has "no choice but to take it on the chin." The suspension comes amid a breakout season for Williams, who has recorded 361 yards and three touchdowns through the first six games of the season. Williams practiced with the Lions on Wednesday and Thursday, but he'll be ineligible to play vs. Tennessee in Week 8 and at Green Bay in Week 9.

"I have nothing but love and respect for this game, my teammates, coaches, the Lions organization and the City of Detroit," Williams said. "It is disappointing to accept this suspension, and it will hurt me to be away from the team as they prepare this week. So out of respect to my teammates, this will be the last time I address this matter."

This marks Williams' second career suspension in as many seasons. Williams, the 12th overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft, was suspended six games in the 2023 NFL season for violating the league's gambling policy for placing a bet on a college football game at team facilities. His suspension was later reduced to four games.

Williams is eligible to return to the field for the Lions' Week 10 matchup in Houston.

Dan Campbell on Jameson Williams: 'I trust him'

Despite multiple suspensions early in his career, Lions head coach Dan Campbell said his trust in Williams hasn't wavered.

"I trust this kid. I trust him. And unfortunately, you've got to pay for your sins," Campbell said Wednesday. "If something happens and this comes down, so be it. But I know this, we dangled the rope down on the way up. We can't wait for anybody. 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."

Fellow Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown said Williams' suspension hasn't been a distraction to the team. Although the Lions will miss Williams' "explosive ability and speed," St. Brown said he's "excited to see what the other guys can do."

"We trust him a lot. ... It's unfortunate that he has a two-game suspension, but we all talked to him as receivers. He's doing fine, his mental space ... he's good," St. Brown said after practice on Thursday. "Whatever happened, happened, and he's gonna move on from it and he's handled it like a grown man."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jameson Williams suspension 'came as a complete surprise' to Lions WR