Police are investigating the handling of a traffic stop involving Lions WR Jameson Williams and a gun

DETROIT (AP) — Detroit police are conducting an internal investigation into the Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams was not jailed after a traffic stop even though a gun he did not have permission to carry was discovered under his seat, authorities said.

Chief James White was “very dissatisfied with the totality of the circumstances here,” said Commander Michael McGinnis said WXYZ-TV.

The gun was registered to Williams, but he did not have a concealed carry permit, the television station reported.

Without a permit in Michigan, a gun owner is typically required to keep the gun in a closed case while in a vehicle. A violation is a criminal offense.

Williams was handcuffed and placed in a patrol car on Oct. 8. He was a passenger in a car driven by his brother, who had his own gun and a concealed carry permit, WXYZ reported.

“I play for the Lions, bro. I’m Jameson Williams,” Williams said, according to body camera video obtained by the television station.

He said he lived in Detroit and needed the gun for protection.

“I believe there was probable cause for the arrest and he was detained by the patrol officer,” McGinnis said. “For this reason, he should have been taken to the Detroit Detention Center and processed there.”

But Williams was released after a sergeant arrived and spoke on the phone with other senior officers. The weapon was also returned.

The traffic stop appeared to be closed until WXYZ started asking questions. The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office said it is currently reviewing the case for possible charges.

“We just don’t know at this point,” prosecutor Kym Worthy said at an unrelated news conference Wednesday.

In a statement, Detroit police said: “Let me be clear: No one in the city of Detroit is above the law. Anyone who commits a crime will be held accountable, regardless of their position or status.”

Williams' attorney, Todd Flood, said there was no violation of the law because Williams' brother had a concealed carry permit for both weapons.

“We have been cooperating with law enforcement and will continue to do so,” Flood said.

Williams, a first-round draft pick in 2022, will miss this week's game against Green Bay as part of a Two-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances. He missed four games in 2023 Violation of league gambling policy.

The team said it was immediately notified of the traffic stop.

“It's definitely not looking good,” coach Dan Campbell said when asked about Williams' recent off-field issue.

But Campbell also said he knows “what this kid is made of.” He’s worth hanging out with.”

“He’ll learn from this,” the coach said, “and he’ll grow and get through all of this better.”

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