ECU Running Back Charged With DWI

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Posted: 10:07 PM Apr 16, 2008
Last Updated: 10:07 PM Apr 16, 2008
Reporter: Bill Wilson

44 comments

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Another East Carolina University football player has been arrested for drunk driving.

Court records show that running back Jonathan Williams was arrested April 5th on DWI, driving after consuming by a person under 21, and unsafe passing on a yellow line. Records show Williams, a sophomore at ECU, is 19-years-old.

ECU says Williams is from Greenville and played at J.H. Rose High School, helping his high school team to win back-to-back state championships.

Williams is the second ECU football player to be charged with DWI within the past year.

Just last month quarterback Rob Kass pleaded guilty to drunk driving after his arrest last August. Kass lost his driver's license for one year, ordered to serve 24-hours community service and be on unsupervised probation for one year.

Williams has a court date in Pitt County on May 9th.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: XYZ Location: ??NC on Apr 19, 2008 at 07:03 AM
Wanda Miller: adam's written English does NOT reflect a college education. Secondly what is adam right about? Please don't flatter yourself. Thirdly you write I opine and I have the right to criticize. If you don't want any criticism don't write. BTW I don't agree with your soft approach/philosophy concerning underage drinking. Mr. Jonathan Williams is NOT a child therefore he's responsible for his actions period. In fact I hope he gets a stiffer penalty than Kass. The judges need to send a strong message to eliminate this problem. Thank you

Posted by: Wanda MIller Location: Kenansville, NC on Apr 18, 2008 at 09:48 PM
XYZ, no need for InSults. Adam, You posted your thoughts ok. XYZ, is upset because you are TOTAlly RighT!

Posted by: XYZ Location: ??NC on Apr 18, 2008 at 05:21 PM
adam: Obviously you did NOT learn any English in HS. What did you learn at ECU? Your written English is a horrendous embarrassment to say the least. It needs a lot of work. Sad to say it is pathetic.

Posted by: Wanda Miller Location: Kenansville, NC on Apr 18, 2008 at 03:33 PM
I HOPE to see FAIRNESS in this case. This young man should be GIVEn the opportunity to correct his behavior or problem. Don't get me wrong...DRIVING DRUNK is never-Ok. We All know that college kids and others drive DRUNK. What's our plans to FIX this societal problem? I totally agree with Adam.

Posted by: adam on Apr 18, 2008 at 10:27 AM
I from greenville and lived here my entire life. I am a ecu and jh rose alumni and honestly JW made one mistake he will learn from it and not do it again. I hope he gains over thousands yards rushing next year. If you take the team from him, then it will do more harm in the long run, at most he should miss a 2 games at the start of the season. He will have learned 2 lessons 1. mistakes cost $$$$$ literally and 2. cost playing time which might lead to more $$$$$ money in tyhe future. Good luck with the season.

Posted by: Brad Location: Greenville on Apr 18, 2008 at 10:18 AM
If you're going to make stuff up just to prove your point or make it sound like you know what you're talking about, the least you could do is to not contradict yourself and know the facts before assuming.

Posted by: Brenda Location: Chocowinity on Apr 17, 2008 at 10:18 PM
I think these boys should be taken off the team for the rest of the year. Our children look up to these boy's, what kind of example are they sitting.

Posted by: John Location: Greenville on Apr 17, 2008 at 07:18 PM
Eh... guys like him are why I didn't get into Carolina or Duke six years ago with a 4.0 and a 1530 SAT. We've just got to have those ball players - regardless of how academically gifted (or not) they happen to be. College sports is about money. Professional sports is about money. Hell, it's all about money. My econ 1100 class was so easy I never cracked a book or came to class and got a 107 (test questions like: What kind of candy is given out on Valentines day. Multiple choice answer - Chocolate). I asked why it was so easy. Answer? Because it was a required class for the major of most of the football players. Sure enough, the back of the class was slam full of snoring football players. Thanks... I think I'll just continue paying for my school, try to find a job, and pay off all the loans I accumulated while actually studying to graduate cum laude.

Posted by: Anon Location: ECU on Apr 17, 2008 at 06:27 PM
I feel as though being in the public eye brings attention to that person. Its the curse and the gift, Jon has got to watch his back, because like football, life should be a team sport. However, no one was watching Jons back. My advice to Jon would be to watch the company you keep those of whom you think are out for your best interest could also be the ones looking at your picture on TV and Internet and laughing at you. That my advice to everyone, be aware of the company you keep. Im sure one friend a true friend could have stepped in, except they probably said " oh he a grown man let him do his thing." Well look at ya Jon.. Nice suit by the way.. LOL

Posted by: XYZ Location: ??NC on Apr 17, 2008 at 05:27 PM
Brad: You're partially correct. I have SEEN quite a few incidents with ECU students involved. Those incidents nauseated me. You medical point is well taken and I apologize for NOT recognizing that. BTW Brad ineligible is the correct spelling not inelligable. Pls. get a spell checker they are FREE. John: Pls. do your homework. According to the rankings that I provided below somewhere: Duke(8), UNC(28), WF(30), NC ST(85) and Davidson NOT on that list. Anonymous: WHY do you confuse accept with except? Pls. find a dictionary so you can distinguish between the two. Back to Brad: I would have to be desperate to attend ECU. For a smart guy you made the mistake of assuming and reaching, get a grip mister. Finally Blame has a good point ABC has to crack down on alcohol sold to or obtained by underage students. L Lawson I don't buy into your human being rhetoric. This issue has to be pounded to avoid a victim or victims to any DWI driver. Thank you

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Greenville on Apr 17, 2008 at 02:20 PM
I go to ECU and I think it's a disgrace. It's pathetic that you have to et behind the wheel when you've been drinking. Some example you are to the community and to ECU!!!

Posted by: John Location: Choco on Apr 17, 2008 at 01:07 PM
JD I am extremely proud of you for getting your doctorate. Super! I am an ECU alumni, and I have a nice job. But if you look around the state, I don't see ECU as a top academic school compared to NC State, Duke, Carolina, or Davidson. Admissions standards would show you that. The other reason I say this was a ignorant move is that it just happened to our QB last fall. Be aware of your surroundings. PLUS as a football player, I guarantee he could have had a safe ride home from somebody where he was. Why jeopardize your scholarship, let alone the lives of innocents, by drinking and driving?

Posted by: L Lawson Location: Greenville on Apr 17, 2008 at 11:44 AM
I want to know who on this list is named JESUS because there is a lot of condemnation going on!! Im going to need for someone to realize that what Jon did was wrong but guess what HE IS HUMAN and entitled to mistakes just like everybody else!Im not saying by any means that what he did was right and it is something that he should definitely not do again! Thats where the saying learn from your mistakes came from! Thats the problem with the world they would rather see you fall than help you get up!! Im a youth minister and because you have so many people trying to bring others down, so many of our youth are lost today! Oh yeah Jo what football team do you play for?? And further more what type of standards do you live up too, very low ones apparently!! I will be praying for Jon and his success as a young black athlete and you too JO just because you evidently need it!! Jon you hold your head up, do not let this bring you down certain things in life are meant to raise you up!!! Be strong!!

Posted by: Wanda Miller Location: Kenansville, NC on Apr 17, 2008 at 11:15 AM
I agree with Blog Refuter.

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 17, 2008 at 08:30 AM
ECU has a very good Med. School. I think ECU excepts more average students as Freshmen. Where you have to be a top student to make it to UNC, State, Duke, ect. Thats why ECU has such a big dropout rate. I've always heard it's easy to get in ECU but hard to stay in. But that's not even the issue here. I agree more has to be done about the selling to underage drinkers. This guy made a mistake and should be made to pay the price. This does not make him a bad person or a stupid person. Just another young person who made a mistake and will learn from that mistake. We can't blame coachs, schools, ect for this behavior. It's peer pressure.

Posted by: Brad Location: Greenville on Apr 17, 2008 at 08:04 AM
XYZ, You need to read and comprehend what was written before commenting. I made no claim about ECU's academic ranking. I made no claim to defend the accused player. If found guilty, he should be punished to the max. I was simply defending an institution many of us have attended and take pride in. You obviously have a problem with ECU. Were you not accepted when you applied? Did the ECU police hassle you for some reason? Did you fail classes and become academically inelligable to continue? What ever the reason it was your own fault so don't put the school down. This area would not be what it is today without our health services programs; which ECU is a big part of. So the next time you or someone you care about needs health care, dial 911 from a different state.

Posted by: Blame Location: New Bern on Apr 17, 2008 at 06:37 AM
Instead of trying to blame the coach, the colllege and whoever...Let's try to find out who is selling the beer to these underage drinkers and go after them. If more bars and stores would get sued for serving alcohol and lose their beer/licquor license than maybe they would think before they sold alcohol to minors. And that goes for people that buy the crap for these underage drinkers.. Get their butts too..

Posted by: Keith Location: Greenville on Apr 16, 2008 at 11:02 PM
Its not Holtz fault. This kid is always getting in trouble. His license was already revoked, but he still choose to drive while intoxicated. He needed to go to jail. He could have killed someone. I agree that he it should not be all over the news. I am sure this station could have found something better to report on.

Posted by: XYZ Location: ??NC on Apr 16, 2008 at 10:05 PM
ecugirl: Where did you go to school? Your poor writing reflects the high school you attended. BTW your writing does NOT show it comes from a college educated student. Brad: ECU is NOT on the top 130 academically rated schools in the US. Check: http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/usnews/edu/college/rankings/brief/t1natudoc_brief.php There's plenty of blame to go around. The problem needs to fixed before anybody is a DWI victim.

Posted by: Brad Location: Greenville on Apr 16, 2008 at 08:11 PM
To the ones that think ECU is only a party school of dummies, I take it you are concerned about using any health care services in Pitt County. Many of these doctors, nurses, and other health professionals received their education from ECU. Next time you need health care, go to Kinston, Washington, New Bern, Williamston, or Raleigh. Oh, too bad for you, ECU trained health professionals work there also. So just remember the old saying that holds so true; you should not bite the hand that feeds you.

Posted by: ecugirl on Apr 16, 2008 at 08:05 PM
Excuse me were did all of you go to college. Almost all college kids party at some point in time not just ECU, UNC, DUKE, NCSU. And many of ECUs fans drink while tailgating. The only reason it made the news is because he plays football. If he was a med student it would not be on the news. Don't critize Holtz for what goes on he is not a baby sitter hes a coach. Most people make stupid mistakes. But Williams next time find a ride or call your mom I think she will come pick you up. To many good young people in the graveyard already. And his punishment should not matter if he is purple or gold...

Posted by: Blog Refuter Location: North Carolina on Apr 16, 2008 at 07:34 PM
Wow! What if a story about every college student who have gotten a DWI was published? Honestly, I could care less. Driving while impaired is a terrible mistake that so many college students are making on a weekly basis. Obviously, giving them a citation is not working.

Posted by: Common Sense on Apr 16, 2008 at 07:33 PM
So you people are saying its holtz fault... Wow a kid had a few drinks and got behind a wheel... that never happens anywhere else... Get real.. If an ECU Student on an academic scholarship gets a DWI, does Steve Ballard get blamed.. and calling a 19 a role model, and the punishments should be harsher. Come on, he's a 19 year old kid with some talent on the field. If he is found guilty he should get what Kass and everyone else with that charge gets, loss of license for a year and community service. Get real people

Posted by: XYZ Location: ??NC on Apr 16, 2008 at 07:06 PM
Skip Holtz: Second ECU FB player accused of a DWI on Your watch coach Holtz, UHM? BTW coach Holtz you earn a high six figure salary, maybe the highest paid ECU employee. Coach you have to show better than that to the community. Coach Holtz your pep talks need a lot of work...

Posted by: anonymousfan Location: greenville on Apr 16, 2008 at 07:00 PM
Jo, you need to do a little research. ECU has many fine academic programs and is no longer known as just a "party school". There are highly regarded programs-medical, art, nursing, education, allied health-and many, many others. "No wonder we can't get a winning team"--are you kidding? Do you know anything about ECU? Yes, JW made a mistake. But if you did it, it wouldn't be front page news. ECU can't control what the players or students do outside of class, so mind your own business and next time, know facts about ECU before attempting to insult the institution.

Posted by: Cactus Location: Strabane,NC on Apr 16, 2008 at 06:52 PM
athletes like Jon should receive "extra" scrutiny because these people are role modeles for young people (same as the pros). Mom is right we all do stupid things and don't think of the out come. I don't know Jon, but I think Mom should attend class with him for 30 days, suspend his driving for a year, and 40 hours of community service, and set out 3 games. You don't get to Joh,s position in life by being stupid so now is the time to put a check on his life now and in the future. Good luck Jon, I've been there.

Posted by: dissapointed on Apr 16, 2008 at 06:52 PM
hey jonathan....being part the the Pirate football team does not mean to make such stupid decisions.I know in high school, you were great, but now you are getting off to a screwy start. Football staff and coaches, there should be zero tolerance for all the $$$$ spent on scholarships. make Rob and Jonathan pay for playing.

Posted by: TERRY on Apr 16, 2008 at 06:19 PM
DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE!

Posted by: jo Location: greenville on Apr 16, 2008 at 04:41 PM
What is going on over there at ECU. I know it's a party school, but I thought the atheletics were suppose to live by a higher standard. No wonder we can't get a winning team. Where is the discipline. Oh, I forgot that is old fashion.

Posted by: JD Location: Greenville on Apr 16, 2008 at 04:37 PM
Excuse me John.. Where exactly did you go to school?.. Not everyone at ECU is dumb! I'm working on my doctorate degree. What exactly do you do!?

Posted by: Evelyn Location: Greenville on Apr 16, 2008 at 04:34 PM
As Jon's mom, I can say yes Jonathan was wrong to drink and super wrong to get behind the wheel, just like you or I would be if we drank and got behind the wheel. He did a horrible thing. Trust me he's being punished, some by people writing these comments. Some claim they want to see fairness. Athletes receive extra scrutiny because they are athletes..is that fairness. He is in the public eye and I explain to him that he has to walk a chalk line. But he's a 19-yr old and still not perfect, like I'm not. Forgive me for not bashing my son, he was wrong, he's not a dummy, but yes he made a horrible decision and it could have been a worse outcome.

Posted by: fan Location: greenville on Apr 16, 2008 at 03:57 PM
the game this past weekend does not count. if he sits it will be real game. i ish i got a free education

Posted by: JB Location: Greenville on Apr 16, 2008 at 03:28 PM
COACH NEEDS TO GET A HANDLE ON THIS BEFORE IT GETS OUT OF CONTROL. PUNISH HIM!

Posted by: J Location: NC on Apr 16, 2008 at 03:19 PM
He'll get special treatment just like the other football player if he's good.

Posted by: anonymous Location: Greenville on Apr 16, 2008 at 02:49 PM
I think that coach Holtz needs to tighten the reighn on the players just a little bit. The Players must not have gotten the message from Kass'es punishment.

Posted by: Fan on Apr 16, 2008 at 02:37 PM
Great Kid, But He needs to be taught a lesson....

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 16, 2008 at 02:15 PM
Good one John.

Posted by: Steve Location: Chocowinity on Apr 16, 2008 at 02:11 PM
Not to worry, he will get a slap on the wrist just like the QB got.

Posted by: John Location: Choco on Apr 16, 2008 at 01:37 PM
ECU isn't known for academics is it? What a dummy!

Posted by: Rose Fan Location: Greenville on Apr 16, 2008 at 01:18 PM
If he got this on april 5th, why was he allowed to play in the purple gold game?. The timing was very similar from Kass.. Did williams Keep it from the coach?

Posted by: LINDA Location: GREENVILLE on Apr 16, 2008 at 11:11 AM
LETS GIVE HIM THE SAME PUNISHMENT AS REGULAR PEOPLE!!!!!!! BEEN THERE DONE THAT, I GOT PUNISHED

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Posted by: Wanda Miller Location: Kenansville, NC on Apr 16, 2008 at 10:16 AM
Let's be FAIR in the same sentencing!!!

Posted by: sarah Location: obx on Apr 16, 2008 at 10:03 AM
Call a cab....don't get behind the wheel!!!