In late December 2018, Williams was the alleged perpetrator of assault against an ex-girlfriend. While there seemed to be enough evidence to convict Williams of the felony offense, his attorney was able to negotiate a plea to a misdemeanor charge of Disturbing the Peace, instead of the felony assault charge, which would have barred Williams’ return, permanently.
After Williams was initially charged, Odom suspended the defensive end, which caused him to miss the Tigers’ appearance in the Liberty Bowl, and the team’s preseason workouts and many practices.
Being a former player, and clearly the proverbial “players’ coach” himself, Odom still has an image to maintain, as the face of the Tigers’ football program.