The Broncos confront losing leading tackler D.J. Williams to an NFL suspension after his second dwi arrest. The linebacker and defensive co-captain was indicted for driving while impaired following being arrested in Denver early Friday morning, only a few hours ahead of he was meant to report to his job at Dove Valley.
It’s his second such charge. He pleaded guilty in September 2005 to a DUI and was directed to perform 24 hours of community service. Following that, he claimed he came to the realization he had to obtain a designated driver whenever he went out partying, and the squad supplies drivers to its competitors but Williams didn’t make use of one Friday.
District attorney’s spokeswoman Lynn Kimbrough says Williams was pulled over at 2:40 a.m. Friday for driving without headlights on. He was cited with DUI, a misdemeanor, along with driving lacking headlights. He was instructed to be in court Dec. 13.
Williams, a 7th-year pro from the University of Miami, very likely will be suspended for several competitions in football bets for breaking the NFL’s personal conduct guidelines. San Diego receiver Vincent Jackson is serving a three-game suspension for multiple DUI arrests, which was lowered from a prior four-game penalty.
A conviction isn’t required for NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to suspend a competitor lacking pay. The league’s policy says: “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 might take time for the NFL to review Williams’ case, so there’s an opportunity he could still play Sunday.
Williams came just in short , at the squad’s headquarters just prior to noon Friday before driving off while his team mates were at practice. The Broncos (2-6) face the NFL’s leading rushing squad Sunday when the Chiefs (5-3) visit Invesco Field
If he doesn’t perform, other choices include inserting Wesley Woodyard or Joe Mays at his location at right inside linebacker or relocating outside linebacker Mario Haggan back inside and playing Jarvis Moss on the outside. None of those options are better than Williams, the fierce tackler whose leadership has been lauded richly by McDaniels and defensive coordinator Don Martindale in recent weeks.
Williams’ problem comes only as the Broncos were referring to getting better following their bye week and oozing an confidence about salvaging their year and gaining back into the AFC West competition. The Broncos have counted on Williams more greatly this season with outside linebackers Elvis Dumervil (chest) and Robert Ayers (foot) benched, and he’s reacted with a team-leading 3.5 sacks in addition to a team-best 57 tackles, which set him on track for a career-high 114.
The fact that Williams is a captain made his arrest all the more disheartening to an institution that has been shrouded in negativity during a monthlong skid that contained a 45-point loss at home to foe Oakland at the sportsbook.
