Patriots cornerback Joejuan Williams’ first NFL offseason isn’t off to a great start.
According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Williams was arrested on Jan. 17 in Nashville. The 22-year-old was charged with speeding, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drugs without a prescription and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The arrest happened at 9:37 p.m. after Williams was stopped on Interstate 40 in Cumberland County for speeding. That’s when the state trooper found the unnamed substance, paraphernalia and prescription drugs inside Williams’ 2016 Land Rover.
Williams, who is from Nashville, went to college at Vanderbilt. He was drafted in the second round, 45th overall, by the Patriots. The 6-foot-3 defensive back was buried on the Patriots’ talented depth chart, appearing in just nine games last season, making five tackles and one pass deflection.
If found guilty, Williams could very well face discipline from the NFL for violating the league’s collectively bargained policy and program covering substances of abuse. Section 2.3 of the policy details the potential punishment.
“Players convicted of or admitting to a violation of law … relating to use, possession, acquisition, sale, or distribution of Substances of Abuse other than alcohol, or conspiring to do so, are subject to appropriate discipline as determined by the Commissioner.
“Absent aggravating circumstances, discipline for a first offense will be a suspension without pay for up to four (4) regular and/or post-season games. If the Commissioner finds that there were aggravating circumstances, including but not limited to felonious conduct or serious injury or death of third parties, and/or if the Player has had prior drug or alcohol- related misconduct, increased discipline may be imposed.”
With the NFL, the punishment can vary. For example, Dallas Cowboys tight end Rico Gathers was suspended one game after being arrested for marijuana possession.
Williams is the second Patriots player to be arrested this month. Julian Edelman was arrested on Jan 11 for misdemeanor vandalism after jumping on the hood of a car and causing damage while out in Beverly Hills. Last summer, Patrick Chung was indicted in New Hampshire on a charge of felony cocaine possession. On Jan. 13, the drug charges were conditionally dismissed.