http://www.miamiherald.com/416/story/1211095.htmlThe once-promising football career of former University of Miami and Carol City High linebacker Willie Williams might be over.
Williams, already with a lengthy criminal record, was arrested again Thursday in a suburb of Atlanta and charged with burglary and reckless driving after trying to evade police in his car. He is in the Gwinnett County Jail in Lawrenceville, Ga., after being denied bond for the burglary charge -- a felony.
His preliminary hearing is Friday.
Williams, 24, had unlawfully entered the residence of a family he had befriended in Suwannee, Ga., when they weren't home. He allegedly stole items that include, according to the arrest report, an XBox 360 gaming system, a Nintendo Wii gaming system, digital cameras, four iPods, a Palm cellphone, Dell desktop computer, Dell laptop computer, several hundred dollars in cash, several pieces of jewelry -- and more.
Williams was living in a hotel in Duluth, Ga., and working out at a sports training facility with hopes of signing a professional contract.
When he signed with UM out of Carol City High in 2004, Williams was regarded as the nation's top recruit at linebacker. At the time, UM was unaware of his criminal record. He was arrested by Gainesville police shortly after he signed with UM for an incident that occurred during his UF recruiting trip. He allegedly discharged hotel extinguishers and hugged a student against her will. UM admitted Williams with several stipulations.
He ended up backing up Jon Beason and playing special teams in 10 games as a redshirt freshman in 2005. He had 17 tackles. Williams left UM in 2006 in pursuit of more playing time. He also played at West Los Angeles College, Louisville, Glenville State (W. Va.), and last season as a senior at Union College in Barbourville, Ky.
At Union College, Williams was a first-team All-Mid-South Conference East selection after setting a single-season record with 144 tackles.
A background check Monday with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement shows Williams had been arrested 12 times as a juvenile before he was charged as an adult for a burglary in Pembroke Pines when he was 17. He has been arrested at least three more times, including for marijuana possession when he played for Louisville.
Louisville dismissed Williams after the arrest in 2007.
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