Detroit police are currently conducting an internal investigation into why Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams wasn’t arrested during a traffic stop despite a gun being discovered under his seat which he did not have a permit for. The gun was registered to Williams but he lacked a concealed-carry permit, a requirement in Michigan, where a guns must be stored in a closed case while within a vehicle; violation of this is a felony. Williams was handcuffed and put into a patrol car on October 8 but was later released and his gun returned after a sergeant arrived and discussed the matter over phone with senior officers.
According to footage from a body camera obtained by WXYZ-TV, Williams identified himself as a football player for the Lions and stated he lived in Detroit and required the gun for protection. Commander Michael McGinnis expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation, declaring that there was enough probable cause for an arrest and Williams should have been taken to the Detroit Detention Center.
Williams was eventually set free after discussions among police officers. The matter only appeared to come into light and the possibility of charges being pressed were considered by the Wayne County prosecutor’s office as a direct result of enquiries made by WXYZ-TV.
The Detroit Police Department offered a statement, emphasizing that absolutely no one in the city of Detroit is considered above the law and anyone committing a crime, regardless of their social status or position, will be penalized. Williams’ legal representative, Todd Flood, has defended the NFL star by stating Williams’ brother had a concealed-carry permit which could potentially extend to both guns in question.
Williams, who is a first-round draft pick in 2022, will be missing the forthcoming game against Green Bay due to a two-game suspension for breaching the NFL’s performance-enhancing substance policy. Williams served a ban of four games in 2023 for violation of the league’s gambling policy. This registration of a traffic stop was informed immediately to the Lions and coach Dan Campbell, who admitted the situation doesn’t look good.
Despite the controversies, Campbell expressed confidence in Williams, stating that he knows “what this kid is made of,” adding that Williams will learn and grow from these experiences and ultimately become a better person. The investigation is still ongoing and further moves are expected from the representatives on both sides.
