Georgetown Football Player Dijon Williams Arrested on Murder Charge
Sep 29, 2020
A goalpost is seen before an NCAA college football game between Indiana and Ohio State, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Georgetown football player Dijon Williams was arrested in Georgia and charged with murder Monday.
Williams was wanted in Washington, D.C., on the murder of Nurudeen Thomas, who was shot and killed July 21.
"Georgetown University became aware of charges against Dijon Williams this evening," the university said in a statement. "While we are working to learn more information, we will cooperate fully with any investigation and we stand prepared to offer resources to members of our community who may be affected by this news. At this time, there are no indications that the alleged crime took place near the University."
Williams, a senior wide receiver, has appeared in 15 games during his career at Georgetown. University policy dictates Williams is suspended from all team activities, and he will be subject to an investigation from student affairs as well.
Georgetown postponed all fall sports amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ty Williams Walks Across Georgetown Graduation Stage; Suffered 2015 Spine Injury
May 19, 2018
Healy Hall, the flagship building of Georgetown University's main campus in Washington, DC, is seen on September 30, 2011. Healy Hall building is listed as a national historic landmark . AFP PHOTO/Mladen ANTONOV (Photo credit should read MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP/Getty Images)
Former Georgetown football player Ty Williams, who suffered a serious spinal injury during a game in 2015, walked across the stage at the school's graduation ceremony on Saturday.
— Georgetown University College of Arts & Sciences (@CASGeorgetown) May 19, 2018
Williams, who played linebacker, was injured during a Georgetown game against St. Francis (Pennsylvania) in September 2015.
PerAidan Curranof The Hoya, Williams broke five bones in his neck and vertebrae while trying to make a tackle.
"It was something I've seen him do a thousand times," Georgetown head coach Rob Sgarlata said.
Williams was named to the Patriot League honor roll in 2016. He also appeared in 22 games for the Hoyas from 2013-14.
Ty Williams Injury: Updates on Georgetown LB's Recovery from Neck Surgery
Sep 6, 2015
Oct 5, 2013; Norman, OK, USA; A view of a football and the end zone pylon before the game between Oklahoma Sooners and TCU Horned Frogs at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Georgetown linebacker Ty Williams injured his neck during Saturday's game against St. Francis (Pennsylvania) and underwent surgery, per Michael Cornejo of MoCoFootball.com.
Continue for updates.
Williams Could Be Paralyzed Due to Neck Injury
Sunday, September 6
Williams' injuries were severe, per Cornejo:
update on Tyrell Williams: "He has 5 broken bones in the neck/vertebrae.. will not be awake until tomorrow." #mocofbpic.twitter.com/Y9pt8yCYFt
"[Tyrell Williams] may be paralyzed," Williams' former coach at Quince Orchard High School in Maryland, John Kelley, told Cornejo. "Please pray for him and family."
He added that Williams is "one of the best kids ever, hopefully things work out," per Cornejo.
Georgetown Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Lee Reed released a statement on Williams, via guhoyas.com:
Our thoughts and prayers are with Ty Williams and his family. The coming days will be very important and we will be here to support him and his family. We ask our fans and the entire Georgetown community to believe and pray for Ty as he begins the recovery process.
I would also like to thank the athletic department at St. Francis (Pa.) and the medical staff at UPMC Altoona Hospital for their tremendous reaction and support at the game and in the last 24 hours. It has meant quite a bit, both to Georgetown and his family.
Williams moved to linebacker last season after beginning his career as a running back, starting every game last season. He was expected to be a key component of defensive coordinator Luke Thompson’s unit, pairing with senior Matt Satchell at linebacker to give the team a veteran presence at the position.
Now, however, the Georgetown and college football community will be hoping that Williams can make a full recovery from the serious injuries he sustained Saturday.
