Lions WR Williams needs to get his act together

By Krupka  |   Friday, June 16, 2006  |  Comments( 5 )

Detroit Lions
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Some say the Detroit Lions have had bad luck in recent years. Others blame the front office, most notably GM Matt Millen and his wretched decisionmaking. While the discussion about Millen is well-noted and best suited for some other time, another member of the Lions who has been catching flack as of late is wide receiver Mike Williams. How has he gone from the lovable player at powerhouse USC to a man that coaches and fans can't figure out?

There is a growing concern within the organization that the team will never find a way to motivate the sluggish Williams. His desire for the game and passion to play has come into question numerous times in his short stint in the league.

As a rookie last season, the 2005 No. 10 overall pick was--to put it in nice terms--unimpressive. Aside from his lack of on-field production for such a highly-touted player, his nonchalant attitude toward team functions last season tarnished his reputation and put a dent in his wallet.

He was fined repeatedly last year for being late to team meetings. If you thought he had learned his lesson, you were wrong.

Recently, he missed a treatment and was late for yet another team meeting, and was consequently suspended for the final two days of a recent mandatory minicamp. Not exactly the way you want to make your first impression with a new coaching staff.

But I guess it's better than going Chris Henry on the situation. Granted, it's not good to be late for meetings, but Williams isn't getting arrested repeatedly, so that's a plus.

Maybe he can get his head out of his backside, and start showing up. Memo to Mike Williams: team meetings are mandatory, you must be on time, and if you're there, maybe, just maybe, you will save yourself some dollars. And in doing so, save your team from some distractions, and improve your game. Then again, you can keep showing up late until the organization grows tired of your act, and become just another footnote in the unimpressive history of the Detroit Lions.

With it only being his second year in the league, there is hope that Williams will mature and make something of his great opportunity of playing in the NFL.

Maybe it was okay at USC to show up late and go through the motions. But here in the NFL, it's unacceptable, Mike. Don't waste your talent and blow this chance.

Get more Mike Williams insights at Realfootball365.com

Eric Krupka can be reached at ekrupka@realfootball365.com
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