Cowboys' Sam Williams facing possible discipline from NFL after troubling arrest

Cowboys DE Sam Williams is facing legal trouble yet again.
Aug 12, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Sam Williams (54) in game action
Aug 12, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Sam Williams (54) in game action / Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
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This week, Dallas Cowboys fans were signing the praises of Sam Williams after his impressive performance in Saturday's preseason game in Seattle.

Many are expecting a year two breakout for Williams after he became a splash play machine as a rookie despite limited opportunities behind Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence and the Cowboys' loaded defensive front.

Unfortunately, any and all expectations for Williams in 2023 are put on hold after he was arrested Sunday on charges of possession of a controlled substance, in the amount of less than one gram, and unlawful carrying of a weapon.

Williams is now at risk of discipline from the league, which isn't out of the realm of possibility considering his track record of off-field incidents and the particulars of this arrest.

Cowboys DE Sam Williams arrested, faces possible suspension from NFL

Character concerns were Williams' biggest red flag coming out of college and the 2022 second-round pick has pick has done little to quell those concerns during his young career.

At Ole Miss, Williams was suspended before the 2020 season after he was charged with sexual battery. He was reinstated in September after the charges were dropped, but that incident likely dissuaded some teams from drafting the talented pass rusher.

In December, Williams was cited for reckless driving after he was involved in a two-car accident. Neither driver was seriously injured, but Williams was lucky that was the case as he reportedly was driving as fast as 98 mph in a 55 mph zone and weaving between lanes before the crash.

According to Frisco Police, the controlled substance charge was for possession of THC, not marijuana. Because of how the process plays out, it's plausible Williams will be dealt a 1-2 game suspension next year; not this season.

In the meantime, Williams has likely already entered the NFL's drug program, which means he's subject to random drug tests. That could lead to more suspensions, so fans can only hope Williams cleans up his act.

The Cowboys are aware of Williams' arrest, but declined to comment on the matter, per Clarence Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

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