Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Dukes get Williams in trouble
Former Auburn wide receiver D’haquille “Duke” Williams, who was kicked off the team Monday by Coach Gus Malzhan, apparently went out swinging.
Malzahn declined to be specific about the reasons for Williams’ dismissal, but AL.com reported that Williams punched four people at a bar last Saturday night after the Tigers’ 35-21 victory over San Jose State in which he had one catch for 17 yards.
An employee of the Skybar, who spoke to AL.com on condition of anonymity, said Williams punched two security guards, a bartender assistant and an unidentified patron.
The employee told AL.com a friend of Williams was kicked out of the bar for violating a dress code policy by wearing sunglasses.
Williams, who according to the employee appeared to be drunk, attempted to get his friend back in the bar. After that failed, Williams began throwing punches.
One of the people Williams punched wanted to press charges, the employee told AL.com, unless he was disciplined by Auburn. Police and court records show no charges against Williams, AL.com reported.
Williams had 43 receptions for 730 yards and 5 touchdowns last season, including 9 for 154 and 1 touchdown in Auburn’s 42-21 opening victory over Arkansas. He was projected as a first-round pick for the 2016 NFL Draft by some analysts.
Prior to Williams’ dismissal, Malzahn twice had suspended him — for the Outback Bowl last season and for six days in fall camp — for disciplinary reasons.
Williams had 12 catches for 147 yards and 1 touchdown this season.