Nebraska suspends assistant 4 games after DUI arrest
Nebraska wide receivers coach Keith Williams will keep his job.
Less than a week after Williams was arrested for his third DUI, Nebraska announced that Williams will be suspended for the first four games of the 2016 season. Williams, who will have his pay withheld until Aug. 31, has already entered counseling, Huskers head coach Mike Riley said in a statement.
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Riley said the punishment was reached in consultation with athletic director Shawn Eichorst, chancellor Ronnie Green and president Hank Bounds. Williams will also be expected to “assist the department, university and greater community in education and outreach efforts to prevent drunk driving.”
“This has been a very difficult week for Keith, for his family, for our football program and for our Husker community,” Riley said. “Keith has admitted his error in judgment and completely recognizes the harm that he could have caused with his reckless actions. Since his arrival in Lincoln, he has been an outstanding coach, mentor and leader, and I know that Keith will work hard to move beyond this incident and to regain the trust of those he has disappointed. We continue to educate our student-athletes throughout the year not only on the dangers of alcohol but also on the consequences of bad decision-making and I know that the events from this weekend will serve as a powerful reminder of that lesson.”
Williams was arrested early Sunday morning and spent Sunday and part of Monday in jail. He is a facing a misdemeanor DUI charge after he was allegedly involved in a crash with two other vehicles around 1:50 a.m.. It is his third such incident. Per the Lincoln Journal Star, Williams had previous DUI convictions in California in 2004 and 2009.
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“Words cannot fully express my deep regret and profound remorse for my actions this past weekend. I want to apologize to my family, the Nebraska family, the young men in our football program, Coach Riley, Shawn Eichorst, Chancellor Green and President Bounds for any harm that I may have caused this phenomenal institution,” Williams said in a statement. “Over the coming weeks, I plan to begin to make amends and to engage in personal counseling to assist in my journey. I understand there is no room for error for me at Nebraska and I am going to work hard every day to prove that I am worthy to represent the Huskers.”
Williams is entering his second season at Nebraska and has become known as one of the top recruiters on Riley’s staff. He joined the Huskers’ staff when Riley was hired from Oregon State. Williams had previous stints as an assistant at Tulane, Fresno State and San Jose State. He played collegiately as a wide receiver at San Diego State from 1991-93.
The following are statements from Eichorst, Green and Bounds.
Eichorst:
“The seriousness of the allegation against Keith cannot be overstated and we must hold our student-athletes, coaches and staff accountable for their actions. The dangers of driving while under the influence are well documented and Keith’s conduct was reckless and potentially fatal. He has acknowledged his failings and accepted responsibility. Keith is a well-respected and trusted member of the Husker Family and we will support him in the coming days and weeks to strengthen his life. It is my hope that he uses this incident as a turning point and as an opportunity to teach our student-athletes, staff and greater community about making the right decisions.”
Green:
“The University of Nebraska—and every member of our community—has a responsibility to represent our institution and our state with dignity, integrity and pride. Keith’s alleged actions do not reflect who we are and who we want to be, so I am in complete agreement with the discipline handed down in light of this very serious and dangerous matter. I’ve seen Keith’s remorse, and I’m confident in his commitment to doing all he can to regain the trust and respect of every member of the University of Nebraska global family.”
Bounds:
“It is clear to me that Keith Williams cares deeply about our student-athletes and the University of Nebraska. He has made a positive difference in the lives of many young men in our football program. Keith has made a serious mistake and there is no question that disciplinary action is required. I also believe in redemption and I fully support Coach Riley and Shawn Eichorst’s decision to give Keith an opportunity to change his life for the better so that he can continue to make an impact on our students, the university and in the community.”
Williams will miss Nebraska’s games against Fresno State, Wyoming, Oregon and Northwestern before his return Oct. 1 against Illinois.
For more Nebraska news, visit HuskerOnline.com.
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Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
