No charges will be filed in an investigation into an alleged assault involving Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams, according to Oakland County prosecutors and Novi Police. The investigation arose from an allegation connected to an August 6 incident.
Authorities jointly examined the matter and found no cause to file charges. The allegation was made to police in September, and officers were called to Williams' home on September 10 as investigators began to investigate the circumstances surrounding the claim.
Prosecutor spokesperson Jeff Wattrick said investigators reviewed statements and digital evidence related to the allegation. Authorities also sought more information from the woman who accused Williams before deciding not to pursue criminal charges. Wattrick said allegations of domestic violence are taken seriously by the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office, and the fact that a public figure was involved did not change the way the matter was handled.
Williams has denied the allegation through his lawyers. His legal team said the receiver "unequivocally denies the allegation of domestic violence" and gave prosecutors evidence they believed challenged both the credibility and circumstances of the claim. His lawyers called the allegation "baseless" and said Williams continues to focus on the Lions' season.
Even without criminal charges, the league could launch its own investigation and discipline under its policies, NBC Sports said. Any possible NFL review would be separate from the legal process handled by Novi Police and Oakland County prosecutors. The league investigation would also run under its own standards and would not alter the prosecutors' decision.
The Detroit Lions said they are aware of the situation and have no further comment. Now that the criminal investigation has ended without charges, the receiver is concentrating on his ongoing NFL season. At the same time, any possible league-level review would proceed separately.
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