Huskers' aide suspended, will miss 4 games after DUI arrest

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) Nebraska receivers coach Keith Williams was suspended without pay until Aug. 31 and won't be allowed to coach or attend the first four games

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) Nebraska receivers coach Keith Williams was suspended without pay until Aug. 31 and won't be allowed to coach or attend the first four games after his arrest on suspicion of third-offense drunken driving last weekend.

Coach Mike Riley made the announcement on Friday. Williams apologized for his actions and will enter counseling.

''Keith has admitted his error in judgment and completely recognizes the harm that he could have caused with his reckless actions,'' Riley said. ''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.''

The 45-year-old Williams was charged Monday with third-offense driving under the influence after a crash in which he rear-ended an Uber driver's vehicle in downtown Lincoln early Sunday. Williams' blood-alcohol level was reported at 0.15, nearly twice the legal limit of 0.08. That high a reading could have led to a felony charge for aggravated DUI. He instead was charged with misdemeanor DUI and cited for careless driving after the non-injury crash.

He pleaded not guilty, a common procedural move in DUI cases.

''Words cannot fully express my deep regret and profound remorse for my actions this past weekend,'' Williams said. ''I want to apologize to my family, the Nebraska family, the young men in our football program.''

Williams also apologized to Riley, athletic director Shawn Eichorst, chancellor Ronnie Green and university president Hank 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,'' he added. ''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.''

Graduate assistant Hardie Buck has been coaching the receivers in the absence of Williams.

Eichorst said the seriousness of the situation couldn't be overstated and athletes, coaches and staff are held accountable for their actions.

''The dangers of driving while under the influence are well documented and Keith's conduct was reckless and potentially fatal,'' Eichorst said. ''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.''

Williams has two prior DUI convictions, both in California in 2004 and 2009. Riley said the university was aware of Williams' previous DUI convictions before he was hired in 2015 at a salary of $400,000 per year.

Williams is considered one of the Huskers' top recruiters, and his arrest came on the weekend five-star receiver recruit Joseph Lewis of Los Angeles visited the campus.

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Online: AP College Football: http://collegefootball.ap.org