Free-agent cornerback Jimmy Williams has been suspended for a full year. The suspension apparently arises from his latest violation of the league’s substance-abuse policy, according to Howard Balzer of the Sports Xchange.
Williams also was suspended five games in 2008.
One of various Virginia Tech players whom the Falcons likely wish they’d never acquired, Wiliams was a second-round pick of the Falcons in 2006.
He was charged with marijuana possession in June 2007. The incident came to light just as the Mike Vick dogfighting case resulted in a felony indictment.
Despite the charges, Williams remained with the Falcons through the 2007 season, appearing in 14 games and starting two that year. He was cut in June 2008, and he spent last season out of football.
The 49ers signed Williams in January 2009, but they cut the cord in May.
Under league rules, Williams can serve the suspension without being on a team. So if he stays clean and qualifies for reinstatement, he would be able to play again in 2010. However, given that no one wanted him before the one-year suspension, it’s likely no one will want him after it.