The NFL said that Williams was suspended for breaking its gambling rules and placing bets on sports other than football while at work. He was able to return, though, as the NFL Players Association and the league recently lowered the suspension for a first offence.
Williams will resume practice on Monday, the Lions said on Friday. On October 8 against the Carolina Panthers, he is able to play.
Players who placed bets on non-NFL sports while working would be subject to a two-game, six-game, or one-year ban without pay for their first offence, and a year-long suspension without pay for their third offence.
Nicholas Petit-Frere, an offensive lineman for Tennessee who was also given a six-game suspension, is expected back on Monday.
In a joint statement, the NFL and the NFL Players Association stated that they “share a longstanding and unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of the game.” “The NFL periodically reviews the gambling policy in consultation with the NFLPA and clubs to ensure it is responsive to changing circumstances and fully addresses this commitment.”
This occurs one day after the Lions defeated the Green Bay Packers on Thursday, starting the season with a 3-1 record.
