Pooka Williams back with Kansas after investigation
After months of investigations and suspension from team activities, star running back Pooka Williams is back and will serve a one-game suspension.
There has been a lot of talk swirling around Kansas football in regard to recruits, its new coaching staff and what the layout looks for the upcoming team.
But from this there is one more aspect that the Jayhawks have not gotten many answers from and that is the status of Pooka Williams Jr.
Kansas finally has its answer.
On Thursday, Dec. 6, Williams was arrested on suspicion of domestic battery by a woman that claimed that she was “punched in the stomach, as well as grabbed by the throat” by Williams.
Kansas took immediate action suspending Williams from all team activities following the incident until the investigation had been completed.
The bond was set at $1,000 and Williams had a restraining order put on him from the woman. Also, after court, he was granted diversion in which he would have to take domestic violence courses and do community service hours in order for the charges to not permanently be on his record.
On Monday, July 6, athletic director Jeff Long released a statement that Williams would be reinstated onto the roster and miss the Jayhawks’ first home opening game against Indiana State.
"“Pooka’s behavior last December was unacceptable as a member of any community, especially our university community,” KU athletic director Jeff Long said in a release. “As a result, Kansas Athletics suspended Pooka from the football program in December when serious allegations were first brought forward, and he has remained suspended until now. … While suspended, Pooka has done all that has been required of him by the courts, the university and Kansas Athletics, and most importantly, has accepted responsibility for his actions.”"
Williams rushed for 1,125-yard last season (third in the Big 12 behind Kansas State’s Alex Barnes, Iowa State’s David Montgomery) and seven touchdowns (sixth in the Big 12 tied with Oklahoma State’s Chuba Hubbard).
Williams’ most notable game came on national television in a 55-40 loss to the Oklahoma Sooners, in which he rushed 15 times for 252 yards. He even threw for a touchdown at the end of the third quarter.
Look for Williams to have another big year sharing carries with senior Khalil Herbert and junior Dom Williams. Pooka lead the team in carries and yards while Herbert only carried 113 times for 499 yards (a 44% decrease in production). With the loss of Steven Sims Jr., Jeremiah Booker and Kerr Johnson Jr. in the passing game, guys like Stephon Robinson and Daylon Charlot will have to take over some of the load to keep the pressure off of Williams in the running game.
Earlier this week Williams and punter Kyle Thompson were named to the Preseason All-Big 12 First Team.