Less than two minutes into Sunday’s game, Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams caught a five-yard pass from quarterback Jared Goff while Chicago Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson was in coverage. Stevenson’s hit appeared to come slightly late or out of bounds, prompting Williams to spin the ball in front of Stevenson, which led to a taunting penalty.
This incident, however, paled in comparison to what occurred on Thanksgiving Day. In that game, Stevenson, who wasn’t even on the field, tripped Williams as he went out of bounds. In response, Williams threw the ball at Stevenson, hitting him directly in the face. Williams received a taunting penalty, but Stevenson was fined nearly $20,000 for his actions.
Following Sunday’s game, Lions head coach Dan Campbell addressed Williams about the taunting penalty but praised how he handled the situation. “He was great,” Campbell said. “He came over, and I told him, ‘You just can’t give them a free ride.’ He understood. He moved past it, got back on the field, and didn’t let it affect his performance. That’s what I love about him. He doesn’t dwell on things—he just keeps playing. I’m really happy with where he’s at right now.”
Both Williams and Stevenson downplayed any notion of a personal feud. Williams explained, as reported by Justin Rogers of the Detroit Football Network, that his actions were not directed at Stevenson. “On the first play, I caught the ball and spun it,” Williams said. “I didn’t say anything to him, and he didn’t say anything to me. I think the flag came because of the reaction from their sideline. People spin the ball all the time during games.”
Stevenson echoed a similar sentiment, albeit in a more blunt manner, in comments shared by Kory Woods of MLive. “There’s no bad blood or anything,” Stevenson said. “Football is full of emotions and testosterone. That’s just how it is. I don’t know him, I don’t want to know him. He plays for the Lions, I play for the Bears. That’s it.”
While Sunday’s exchange didn’t escalate into anything significant, it’s safe to say that Williams and Stevenson aren’t likely to be exchanging holiday greetings anytime soon.
