The University of Nebraska Lincoln Cornhuskers have suspended assistant football coach Keith Williams without pay until August 31st.
Williams was charged with misdemeanor DUI and careless driving after a traffic accident in Lincoln on Sunday, August 14. He has pled not guilty and his next court date is on October 24.
Head coach Mike Riley released a statement saying they came to the decision based on information they had gathered and a consultation with UNL's Athletic Director, Chancellor, and President. Riley says he told Williams Thursday.
Riley released a statement, that in part said:
"In addition to his suspension from work, Keith will be prohibited from attending and coaching in the first four games of the season. Keith has initiated counseling and he has pledged to assist the department, University and greater community in educational and outreach efforts to prevent drunk driving. This has been a very difficult week for Keith, for his family, for our football program and for our Husker community. Keith has admitted his error in judgment and completely recognizes the harm that he could have caused with his reckless actions. 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. We continue to educate our student-athletes throughout the year not only on the dangers of alcohol but also on the consequences of bad decision-making and I know that the events from this weekend will serve as powerful reminder of that lesson.”
Williams also released this statement:
"Words cannot fully express my deep regret and profound remorse for my actions this past weekend. I want to apologize to my family, the Nebraska family, the young men in our football program, Coach Riley, Shawn Eichorst, Chancellor Green and President 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. 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.”
KMTV and Omaha Sports Insider will have a team in Lincoln today. Stay with us online or watch Action 3 News at Midday for the latest.
