Denver Broncos DJ Williams Suspended By NFL For DUI
The Broncos encounter the losing of leading tackler D.J. Williams to an NFL suspension following his 2nd drunk driving arrest. The linebacker and defensive co-captain was charged with driving while impaired after being arrested in Denver early Friday morning, just hours before he was meant to report to his job at Dove Valley.
It's his 2nd such charge. He pleaded guilty in September 2005 to a DWI and was ordered to perform 24 hours of community service. After that, he claimed he recognized he had to have a designated driver any time he went out partying, and the team offers drivers to its competitors but Williams did not utilize one Friday.
District attorney's spokeswoman Lynn Kimbrough stated Williams was pulled over at 2:40 a.m. Friday for driving without headlights on. He was cited with DUI, a misdemeanor, as well as driving without headlights. He was ordered to appear in court Dec. 13.
Williams, a 7th-year pro from the University of Miami, most likely will be suspended for numerous competitions in football bets for breaking the league's personal conduct rules. San Diego receiver Vincent Jackson is serving a three-game suspension for multiple DUI arrests, which has been reduced from an original four-game penalty.
A conviction isn't needed for league Commissioner Roger Goodell to suspend a player lacking pay. The league's guidelines declares: "If the Commissioner finds that ... the player has had prior drug or alcohol-related misconduct, increased discipline up to and including suspension may be imposed." It could take some time for the NFL to examine Williams' case, so there's a shot he could still play Sunday.
Williams came only briefly at the squad's headquarters only prior to noon Friday before driving off while his teammates were at practice. The Broncos (2-6) encounter the NFL's leading rushing squad Sunday when the Chiefs (5-3) visit Invesco Field
If he does not perform, other choices contain getting Wesley Woodyard or Joe Mays at his place at right inside linebacker or shifting outside linebacker Mario Haggan back inside and playing Jarvis Moss on the outside. Not one of those choices are better than Williams, the fierce tackler whose leadership has been lauded copiously by McDaniels and defensive coordinator Don Martindale in recent weeks.
Williams' trouble comes just as the Broncos were talking about getting better following their bye week and exuding an confidence about saving their season and getting back into the AFC West contest. The Denver Broncos have depended on Williams more heavily this season with outside linebackers Elvis Dumervil (chest) and Robert Ayers (foot) benched, and he has answered with a team-leading 3.5 sacks as well as a team-best 57 tackles, which placed him on pace for a career-high 114.
Williams being a captain made his charge all the more disheartening to an institution which has been engulfed in negativity throughout a monthlong skid that included a 45-point loss at home to foe Oakland at the sportsbook.
