Nebraska WR coach Keith Williams suspended, will miss first 4 games

Nebraskawide receivers coach Keith Williams has been suspended without pay until Aug. 31 and will miss the Cornhuskers' first four games after his arrest early Sunday on suspicion of driving under the influence and careless driving.

Williams, who was cited following a traffic accident in Lincoln, Nebraska, has pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor charges and is scheduled to appear in court Oct. 24.

Nebraska coach Mike Riley said in a statement released Friday that Williams has started counseling and will assist the university in education and outreach about drunken-driving prevention. Lincoln police officers responding to Sunday's accident found records of two previous DUI convictions for Williams in 2004 and 2009.

Williams, 45, is in his second season at Nebraska, where he has built a reputation as a top recruiter. He will not be allowed to coach or attend the Huskers' games against Fresno State, Oregon, Wyomingand Northwestern.

"The dangers of driving while under the influence are well documented and Keith's conduct was reckless and potentially fatal," Nebraska athletic director Shawn Eichorst said in a statement. "He has acknowledged his failings and accepted responsibility. Keith is a well-respected and trusted member of the Husker Family and we will support him in the coming days and weeks to strengthen his life. It is my hope that he uses this incident as a turning point and as an opportunity to teach our student-athletes, staff and greater community about making the right decisions."

In a statement, Williams expressed "deep regret" and "profound remorse" for the incident and apologized to Riley, Eichorst, Nebraska chancellor Ronnie Green and University of Nebraska president Hank Bounds.

"I understand there is no room for error for me at Nebraska and I am going to work hard every day to prove that I am worthy to represent the Huskers," Williams said.