Williams suspended
- Thread starter Tuco Salamanca
- Start date
He will be banned from practice and the program, without pay, now through August 31st. He will be unable to coach on Gameday until week 4 at Northwestern.
I would imagine he likely has a zero tolerance policy hence forward.
I would imagine he likely has a zero tolerance policy hence forward.
Here's what is on huskers.com
Lincoln, NE - The following are statements regarding the suspension of Keith Williams.
Williams was charged with misdemeanor DUI and careless driving following a traffic accident at 9th and N streets in Lincoln on Sunday, August 14. He has pled not guilty and his next court date is on October 24.
Following practice this morning Williams will make a brief statement and Nebraska Head Football Coach Mike Riley and Director of Athletics Shawn Eichorst will be available to meet with the media.
HEAD FOOTBALL COACH MIKE RILEY
“Based on the information we have gathered to date and after consultation with Shawn, Chancellor Green and President Bounds, I informed Keith yesterday that he is suspended from work without pay until August 31st. In addition to his suspension from work, Keith will be prohibited from attending and coaching in the first four games of the season. Keith has initiated counseling and he has pledged to assist the department, University and greater community in educational 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. 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 powerful reminder of that lesson.”
DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS SHAWN 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.”
ASSISTANT FOOTBALL COACH KEITH WILLIAMS
“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. 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.”
UNL CHANCELLOR RONNIE 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.”
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA PRESIDENT HANK 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.”
Lincoln, NE - The following are statements regarding the suspension of Keith Williams.
Williams was charged with misdemeanor DUI and careless driving following a traffic accident at 9th and N streets in Lincoln on Sunday, August 14. He has pled not guilty and his next court date is on October 24.
Following practice this morning Williams will make a brief statement and Nebraska Head Football Coach Mike Riley and Director of Athletics Shawn Eichorst will be available to meet with the media.
HEAD FOOTBALL COACH MIKE RILEY
“Based on the information we have gathered to date and after consultation with Shawn, Chancellor Green and President Bounds, I informed Keith yesterday that he is suspended from work without pay until August 31st. In addition to his suspension from work, Keith will be prohibited from attending and coaching in the first four games of the season. Keith has initiated counseling and he has pledged to assist the department, University and greater community in educational 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. 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 powerful reminder of that lesson.”
DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS SHAWN 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.”
ASSISTANT FOOTBALL COACH KEITH WILLIAMS
“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. 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.”
UNL CHANCELLOR RONNIE 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.”
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA PRESIDENT HANK 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.”
I thought Illinois was the first game he could coach?
Either way get them 'croots
Either way get them 'croots
If I'm reading coach Riley's comments accurately, coach Williams will be allowed to coach practices on September 1.
Sounds fair. Use this to better yourself and educate others. Live and learn, put it behind you, learn and grow, for your own family and the Husker family!! GBR
This is perfect. Looks way more harsh than it really is. Who cares if he coaches in games as long as he's at practice.
The thing I could see it hurting though, is I assume he also won't be able to talk to recruits when they visit for those games?
The thing I could see it hurting though, is I assume he also won't be able to talk to recruits when they visit for those games?
I'm ok with it. No need to be heavy handed. We all make mistakes. He is no different. Good learning lesson for all and hopefully good can come out of it.
Many thanks for posting these statements. Gives me all I need to know in one post
Absolutely. Funny thing, I was heading to the website to count scholarships and the info was on the main page. Perfect timing!
I'm really glad Green and Bounds made statements as well.
Indeed. It shows a united front. Time to move forward now and focus on the season.
Yeah its only his 3rd DUI. Maybe he learns his lesson the 3rd time? Good lord
If he's pleading not guilty, why not wait until his court date or until disposition of the case to decide on discipline?
Really wish it had been for the whole season and be back after the bowl game but happy he's still on staff. Thought a third DUI deserved a harsher punishment. Looking forward to this story being over with though
Speaking of the Good Lord, pretty sure he said, "He who has no sin, cast the first stone." Now I know it's not a license to sin, but he concludes that encounter with the words, "Go and leave your life of sin." If KW can do this, there is redemption. If not, he's cut loose.
I know the fact that this is the 3rd time is a big deal, and had they cut him loose it would have been warranted, but I don't have a problem at this point with the course of action being taken, being confident that either there won't be a next time, or if there is, there won't be a Keith Williams coaching at Nebraska anymore.
This appears to be Nebraska's primary criteria for deciding on his punishment...That & trying to minimize the impact on the current football team.
Unfortunate, imo.
Clearly you were in the administrative meetings deciding how to handle this situation. Thanks for the insight.
So what....the last time this program was nationally elite it came with a good amount of off field baggage....cost of doing business.... no one is worse for wear.
In the last 50 years there is not a single program that has entered into dynasty status without the dirt that comes with it.
Clearly, by the way the 'suspension' is being structured...it's impact on the football team was at the forefront of the thought-process.
Just from what I've seen over the years, the quicker you return to work, the more likely you are to keep your job. Williams is getting about 2 weeks off without pay and is being brought back to work. So, why not keep him out until his sentencing? They want to keep him.
It'll keep Williams out of fall practice, which will remove Williams from being the focus for the rest of fall practice. And it seems likely to me, sports reporters will be more focused on the games when we get close enough to play them.
It's his third DUI and who knows how many times he has driven drunk and not been caught. He is lucky to be alive and not have killed anyone. One DUI is forgivable, two is unacceptable, three deserves prison time (seriously).
I'm sure he said those same remorseful words last time he was caught, too. Actions speak louder than words, and his actions demonstrate that he should be in no position to teach or lead young men.
I'm sure he said those same remorseful words last time he was caught, too. Actions speak louder than words, and his actions demonstrate that he should be in no position to teach or lead young men.
3rd, 4th, 5th, careful drawing that line in the sand...dude is one hell of a recruiter...
Was it ever decided whether he had been drinking with players, as was once suggested from someone with knowledge of the situation?
If so, that would have seemed to be a deal-breaker for sure...
If so, that would have seemed to be a deal-breaker for sure...
Exactly where is it written in the penal code that if you arrested for DUI then you should also lose your job?
We are dealing with two distinct issues/entities here and each has its own criteria for how this should be handled.
The first is the legal system itself and I trust that it will work itself out in full accord with the laws of the State of Nebraska. That process has been initiated with the offense being reduced to a misdemeanor. Someone with more legal knowledge than I possess can enlighten us as to whether or not this charge fits the nature of this crime. I trust that legal precedent in Nebraska will show that how it worked itself out in this case is fairly common.
The second is the University of Nebraska, his employer. Nothing in Nebraska's penal code mandates that the University should fire him. So in order to properly analyse how the University has proceeded in the Williams case, one would need hard data: what are the pertinent University policies in general? What was in his specific contract? How has the University dealt with analogous situations with different employees in the past? Only then can you make comments about whether or not the University is giving a special deal to Williams.
...and I think most of us are just fine with that.
Only a deal breaker if the athletes were under age. My nephew saw him drinking with players at Barry's. He said nothing about their age.
There isn't a single football program in this country that would have meted out any harsher penalty under the circumstances.
I assume Crafty Beaver is a Penn State fan, am I the only one who sees the irony of a PSU fan coming over to our board and criticizing the way the administration handles coaching incidents and discipline? Literally made me shake my damn head, wow.
EDIT: I'm dumb, Beaver = OSU, Lion = PSU...
EDIT: I'm dumb, Beaver = OSU, Lion = PSU...
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If that was the case, there would be no punishment and he'd be coaching today. There are 21 WR's on the team that will be without their position coach for 17 days in fall camp and first 4 games. The "impact" of his absence will be felt during fall camp, quite possibly the most important part of a season.
I sure hope you're not a Penn State fan.
This is a serious issue no doubt. Its dangerous and stupid and he should not have done it. You know what else is dangerous and stupid? texting and driving but I see it every day and I don't see the outrage associated with that. People are losing lives over this as well and it is against the law but I just don't see as much outrage. Why?
Ironic, the avatar less and recent additions to the site are those unhappy with the outcome here. Can we be any more transparent?
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