The Detroit Free Press reports that ex-Detroit Lions linebacker Antwione Williams was arrested Thursday due to his alleged participation in the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot. His arrest highlights the legal ramifications faced by those involved, including former athletes.
Antwione Williams, selected in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Lions, was taken into custody in Savannah, Georgia, on charges linked to the Capitol riot. L
He faces seven criminal counts, including assaulting an officer, resisting arrest, and violent conduct in a restricted area. Federal prosecutors allege that Williams pushed past barricades, attacked officers, and attempted to seize a bicycle rack from one of them.
Williams played in 14 games for the Lions in his rookie season, making three starts and recording 27 tackles. However, his NFL career was short-lived, with later stints on the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants before it ended.
His arrest is part of ongoing efforts to hold those involved in the Capitol riot accountable. As arrests continue, this case emphasizes the broad impact of the events, reaching individuals like Williams who once held prominent positions in sports.
Williams now faces serious legal challenges that could overshadow his short NFL career. His arrest underscores the Capitol riot’s lasting consequences, affecting people from diverse backgrounds, including former athletes.
