Buccaneers See No Character Issues With WR Mike Williams

Some draft evaluators flagged Buccaneers rookie WR Mike Williams as a player with suspect character due to some issues that developed while he was in college. He quit the Syracuse football team in November and was academically ineligible in the previous season. When asked if he had any concerns about Williams' attitude or commitment, Buccaneers QB Josh Freeman said no. "Obviously, coming in, you can hear things about a bunch of different people, but I've spent a lot of time with Mike," Freeman said. "Me, him and (rookie WR Arrelious Benn) have done a lot of things off the field, just hanging out and getting to know those guys. As far as I'm concerned, Mike is a stand-up guy."

Source: Pro Football Weekly

 

All I can go on is what I read and hear around town, but this kid isn't the headcase he was made out to be.

 

he isn't a head case but he has had some major problems.

 

What were the 'major problems"? He was caught cheating on a test (which made him academically ineligible) and he violated curfew twice. Was he caught driving drunk? Was he arrested for beating up his girlfriend? Did he steal laptops out of dorm rooms? I'm just curious as to what his "major problems" are.

 

No those are UF players you are referring to.....:icon_eek:

 

lol - nope, UF players get arrested for fighting outside of bars or campus parties:icon_cheesygrin:

I was thinking of Jeremiah Masoli, the Oregon QB - didn't he steal laptops, plus he was arrested for pot, too? (i think)

 

I think his "character issues" stemmed from his education difficulties more than anything else. Just because a guy sucks at school doesn't mean he's going to be a bad football player by any means.

 

This^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

Steal of the 2010 Draft...

 

Different sport, but I know a UCock PG did that

Marcus Williams I think

 

I'd consider quitting on your team a major issue. He continued to not learn him lesson with his academics. Did he really learn his lesson? It would appear not.

 

the laptop thief was former Florida Gator QB Cam Newton. Newton is now the starting QB at Auburn.


I like Williams as a player but if I was going to consider picking him I'd talk to him ALOT.

 

Adam you would have to admit this is a completely different situation now though. He does that crap here and they take paper away, not just suspension. Money changes behavior PDQ.

 

That's true. I'm sure they did their homework on him and questioned him extensively on his multiple suspensions and quitting on his team.

 

That's who I was referencing to Sue when I said what I did.

 

I think you're overblowing the whole "quitting on the team" bit. Read the rest of the article as well, there's some good info.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Round 4 pick Mike Williams has talent, troubled past - St. Petersburg Times

 

that's fine but he should have still been there supporting his teammates. He could have done everything he could to make the team better instead he was all about himself instead of the team.

 

If you're suspended, you're suspended. No team activities. If he believed he was suspended for the season then he would probably think he wasn't allowed to participate in team activities like any other suspension. I just think you're jumping to conclusions without taking the circumstances into account.

 

over analyzed...he was technically my 4th best WR and had serious potential to be the second or third WR taken. they hit a home run with him in the 4th imo

 

I'm not rushing to any conclusions. He should have talked to Coach Marrone and see what he could do to help the team.