Mike Florio: Lions Didn't Do Good Enough Job Teaching Jameson Williams

Who is to blame for the Jameson Williams suspension?

The Detroit Lions could be to blame for wide receiver Jameson Williams missing the first six games of the 2023 NFL regular season. 

"The proof is in the pari-mutuel pudding. It’s not a coincidence," writes Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio. "The players didn’t know. Williams said he didn’t know. Which means that the Lions didn’t do a good enough job making sure they knew."

In an email to ESPN, it is indicated that teams and players should not be misunderstanding the gambling rules, as the league is "educating all players, coaches and staff employed by all 32 teams." 

According to David Highhill, vice president and general manager who oversees sports betting for the NFL, "The education and training the players receive is different than what NFL/club staff receive, which is different than what officials get. We are very explicit in the training to explain that if you are involved with the NFL, you can never bet on the NFL. There should be no misunderstanding on the policies." 

Just one day after Williams addressed a significant media contingent regarding his suspension, it is being reported by The Athletic that a fifth member of the Lions is being investigated by the NFL for violating the gambling policy. 

"The player currently under investigation was not a prominent member of the 2022 team. He has yet to be interviewed by the league’s investigator. The player’s agent declined to comment when reached by The Athletic, as did spokespersons for the NFL, NFLPA and the Lions."