Reaction to Sidelined Huskers Coach

Nebraska’s head coach, with athletic director Shawn Eichorst flanking him to his left, told a throng of reporters that “everything under the sun” was on the table when deciding what to do about the wide receivers coach who on Sunday was arrested for a third-offense DUI.

Williams, 45, was arrested for his third DUI offense following a traffic accident in Lincoln, Neb., on Sunday.

Nebraska receivers coach Keith Williams has been suspended without pay until August 31 and won’t be allowed to coach or attend the Cornhuskers’ first four games as a result of his arrest on suspicion of third-offense drunken driving last weekend.

Head coach Mike Riley said Williams, in his second season at Nebraska, has started counseling and will assist the university in education and outreach about drunken-driving prevention.

After Friday’s football practice Keith Williams publically apologized to his family, players, coaching staff and Husker Nation.

“I’ll go back and say, ‘It was a bad mistake.’ We’re going to support him”.

“In the coming days, weeks and months I will work hard to earn back the trust I have understandably lost from many in our community”, Williams said.

“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”, Williams said. University of Nebraska Assistant Football Coach Keith Williams now knows his fate. When asked, Riley said terminating Williams was among options presented in discussions.

In addition to the suspension, Williams has pledged to begin making amends and will be attending counseling.

“I think the focus has been good and the leadership is good”, said Riley.

Riley said Williams would undergo outpatient alcohol therapy.

Nebraska will open the season at home on September 3rd against Fresno State. He has been charged with a misdemeanor and is set to appear in court on October 24. “It is clear to me that Keith Williams cares deeply about our student-athletes and the University of Nebraska”.

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.