from msuspartans.com:
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State junior running back Delton Williams, who violated University ordinance 18.01 by possessing a weapon on campus last March, will rejoin the football team in mid-August, according to an announcement made Monday, July 27 by Spartan head coach Mark Dantonio.
Williams hasn’t participated in any football-related activities since mid-March and hasn’t been enrolled in summer school.
Michigan State opens preseason football practice on Saturday, Aug. 8, with Williams scheduled to rejoin the team on Friday, Aug. 14.
“Delton Williams has satisfied the University’s (student conduct system), court’s and football program’s expectations,” Dantonio said. “Delton comprehends the severity of the situation and understands that decisions have consequences. He also appreciates the fact that wearing the Michigan State uniform is a privilege and not his right.
“Provided with various options, he chose to return to Michigan State under specific guidelines in order to complete his education and playing career. Delton looks forward to turning the page to the next chapter in his life by rejoining his teammates and classmates.”
“First, I want to apologize to the entire Spartan family,” Williams said. “Obviously, I didn’t want this to happen and cast a negative light on the University and our football program like it has for the last four months.
“I appreciate the University and Coach Dantonio for providing me with the opportunity to return and finish what I started. Being a student-athlete at Michigan State is truly an opportunity of a lifetime. It was a judgment call, but they all decided to provide me with a second chance. I’m truly blessed and grateful for this opportunity.
“I wasn’t looking for a fresh start or the easy way out by transferring to another school. It has been and continues to be a blessing to be a student-athlete here. God has a plan for us all, and I put myself in a tough situation. I dug myself a hole, took the punishment and now it’s time to get back on track.
“My return isn’t just about playing football because I know it isn’t forever,” Williams continued. “God willing, I might get the opportunity to play in the NFL, but I already have 64 credits and I’m on pace to graduate. As some say, NFL means ‘not for long.’ My degree is my primary plan, not my back-up plan.
“I never intended to put anyone in harm’s way, and I never believed the situation would get out of hand. I’ve learned from my mistake, and I won’t put myself in that type of situation again. I see things much differently now and know that I must think before I act. As a result of my decision, manhood has been thrust upon me. I’ve grown up a lot over the last four months. That decision could have ruined all of my dreams. This situation has certainly brought me closer to God.
“I look forward to rejoining my teammates and working toward a common goal. I can’t wait to get into the locker room and on to the practice field with my teammates and coaches. I’m truly blessed to be a Michigan State Spartan. At the end of the day, I care about my immediate family and my MSU family – that’s what matters most.”
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State junior running back Delton Williams, who violated University ordinance 18.01 by possessing a weapon on campus last March, will rejoin the football team in mid-August, according to an announcement made Monday, July 27 by Spartan head coach Mark Dantonio.
Williams hasn’t participated in any football-related activities since mid-March and hasn’t been enrolled in summer school.
Michigan State opens preseason football practice on Saturday, Aug. 8, with Williams scheduled to rejoin the team on Friday, Aug. 14.
“Delton Williams has satisfied the University’s (student conduct system), court’s and football program’s expectations,” Dantonio said. “Delton comprehends the severity of the situation and understands that decisions have consequences. He also appreciates the fact that wearing the Michigan State uniform is a privilege and not his right.
“Provided with various options, he chose to return to Michigan State under specific guidelines in order to complete his education and playing career. Delton looks forward to turning the page to the next chapter in his life by rejoining his teammates and classmates.”
“First, I want to apologize to the entire Spartan family,” Williams said. “Obviously, I didn’t want this to happen and cast a negative light on the University and our football program like it has for the last four months.
“I appreciate the University and Coach Dantonio for providing me with the opportunity to return and finish what I started. Being a student-athlete at Michigan State is truly an opportunity of a lifetime. It was a judgment call, but they all decided to provide me with a second chance. I’m truly blessed and grateful for this opportunity.
“I wasn’t looking for a fresh start or the easy way out by transferring to another school. It has been and continues to be a blessing to be a student-athlete here. God has a plan for us all, and I put myself in a tough situation. I dug myself a hole, took the punishment and now it’s time to get back on track.
“My return isn’t just about playing football because I know it isn’t forever,” Williams continued. “God willing, I might get the opportunity to play in the NFL, but I already have 64 credits and I’m on pace to graduate. As some say, NFL means ‘not for long.’ My degree is my primary plan, not my back-up plan.
“I never intended to put anyone in harm’s way, and I never believed the situation would get out of hand. I’ve learned from my mistake, and I won’t put myself in that type of situation again. I see things much differently now and know that I must think before I act. As a result of my decision, manhood has been thrust upon me. I’ve grown up a lot over the last four months. That decision could have ruined all of my dreams. This situation has certainly brought me closer to God.
“I look forward to rejoining my teammates and working toward a common goal. I can’t wait to get into the locker room and on to the practice field with my teammates and coaches. I’m truly blessed to be a Michigan State Spartan. At the end of the day, I care about my immediate family and my MSU family – that’s what matters most.”
