Sep 29, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Williams (19) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first half of the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports
March 24th Updates: According to Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports, Williams claims he was wrestling with his brother and was accidentally stabbed. He also reports that with his brother still on the run, the police are unable to corroborate the stories.
This report seems to conflict with news from Rick Stroud, who claims the authorities are treating this as a domestic dispute that ended in violence. Greg Auman confirms that there are conflicting witness reports about the situation surrounding the stabbing.
The team refrained from comment on Sunday, but on Monday, Jason Licht said that he was “disappointed” by the situation, according to Ed Werder of ESPN.
March 23rd Updates: Mike Williams has been released from the hospital, per Fox 13 in Tampa.
A warrant has been issued for a man named Eric Baylor, who is charged with crimes connected to the stabbing, per Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times.
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ wide receiver is currently in the hospital, recovering from being stabbed in the thigh, according to a report from WTSP in Tampa.
According to the report, Williams’ brother is the primary suspect at this time, but no other details are known about the circumstances of the stabbing.
The Buccaneers released a statement about Williams’ situation.
Statment from Buccaneers Organization Regarding Incidient at Mike Williams' Residence: "We are aware of the situation that occured at..."
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) March 24, 2014
"...the residence of Mike Williams and are working with him and the authorities to get additional information. While we have limited..."
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) March 24, 2014
"...knowledge at this time, our primary concern is for the safety and well bring of all involved. We will refrain from further comment..."
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) March 24, 2014
"...until we can get a better understanding of the situation."
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) March 24, 2014
It’s far too early to assume or accuse anything in this case, even when considering Mike Williams’ troubled times recently in Tampa. He was the subject of reports late last year accusing him of missing meetings and receiving fines during the 2013 season, and it was later revealed that he was facing criminal charges stemming from an incident while he was on injured reserve.
But Williams’ status as a victim in a stabbing should not be linked to his previous behavior, or at least without further details about what happened surrounding the stabbing. Obviously, at this point, the health and well-being of Williams are most important. Being the victim of a stabbing is not grounds for an uprising of fans demanding a player’s release.
Hopefully the police can get the answers they need to arrest the person responsible for stabbing Williams, as well as provide the Buccaneers with the information they need to react accordingly.