Anyone following the NFL for a long time knows you don’t have to be a sweet little choir boy with perfect manners to be successful in the NFL. But one thing is required: YOU CANNOT BE STUPID.
The second big questionable decision and legal snafu in less than a year made by talented DE Sam Williams raises some questions about not only his character but his commitment to the team, his teammates and his family. Last year he was cited with a misdemeanor for driving his Corvette at a high rate of speed sideswiping another car and eventually wrecking his car. And while he was at Ole Miss in his college days he was suspended from the team for allegedly assaulting a woman, but was reinstated when charges were dropped.
Now, Williams’ Sunday arrest for possession of a controlled substance and unlawful carrying of a weapon is another chapter in this young man’s struggle to keep his off field behavior between the lines. And there’s little room for excuses when the Cowboys organization provides tons of off field support including counseling, ride services if impaired, even legal advice.
There are plenty of examples of great NFL players- some even Cowboys- who had some questionable off field behavior, that were somehow able to stay focused during the season or just be smart enough to pick their spots to avoid missing suspensions during the season.
Sam Williams has big time football talent. He had a really good rookie year with 4.5 sacks last year as a part time player. He was expected to have an even bigger role this year. And maybe he still can, although I would be surprised if he isn’t suspended a couple of games.
I believe in being patient with young players. You can usually fix some on-field mistakes that many young players make. But off the field? You can’t fix stupid. Williams better get serious about growing up if he wants his NFL career to be what it could be. I hope he does.
