Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Williams will carry a disastrous end of 2013 with him into 2014.
Williams has an arraignment hearing on misdemeanor charges of criminal mischief and trespassing at 9 a.m. ET on Feb. 24, stemming from an unspecified December incident, NFL Media confirmed through the Hillsborough (Fla.) County Clerk office's website. The Tampa Bay Times was first to report the news.
"We have spoken with Mike Williams and the local authorities regarding the charges that have been filed against him," the Bucs said in a statement issued Saturday, which was obtained by NFL Media. "All of our players are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the high character and moral responsibility that we demand as representatives of the Buccaneers organization."
NFL Media has reached out to the clerk's office as well as the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office to obtain a copy of the police report.
Williams missed 10 games in 2013 due to a torn hamstring after signing a six-year, $40 million contract last offseason. He caught just 22 passes for 216 yards and two touchdown receptions.
The Bucs' previous regime reportedly was concerned about the wide receiver's maturity and professionalism over the final two months of the season -- while he was injured -- due to missed meetings and rehab sessions.
There was some thought that new coach Lovie Smith's entrance into the picture might wipe the slate clean for Williams. The lanky receiver is a nice complement to Vincent Jackson on the outside.
Cutting Williams reportedly would cost the Bucs a cap hit of $6.4 million.
Williams entered the NFL with some character questions, but has had only one other run-in with the law since then -- an October 2010 DUI charge, which was dismissed.
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