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Raheem Morris Believes in the Real Mike Williams in Tampa

Aug 3, 2010 – 3:53 PM
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Ray Glier

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Raheem Morris, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach, stood up for rookie receiver Mike Williams, a troubled player at Syracuse, but maybe a guy who can carve a different persona with the Bucs.

Morris said Monday night the team listened to Williams explanations (alibis) for why he quit (or didn't quit) at Syracuse University last season. The coach said the Bucs tried to get as close to the truth as possible.Morris said the organization asked about everything, including presumably the alleged academic misconduct that got Williams tossed from school.

Apparently satisfied the Bucs grabbed Williams (6-2, 220) in the fourth round of the 2010 draft and now in training camp he is outplaying the receiver drafted higher, Illinois' Arrelious Benn.

Williams, a split end, is working with the starters and making an impression. Morris wants the kid to become a "folk hero" in Tampa and said about Williams' reputation, "I don't think he wants to mess that up again."

Morris said 98 percent of Williams' "stories" came back true after the Bucs called "everywhere" to sniff out the BS with this guy. Syracuse said he quit the team; Williams said he didn't quit anything.

We'll see.
Filed under: Sports

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