http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a...438/1049&imw=Y
excerpt:
ALAMEDA, Calif. -- Mike Williams heard all the disparaging comments about his work ethic, his weight and his ability as he wallowed on the bench with the Lions.
The former college star and can't-miss NFL receiving prospect fell so far last year that he was behind a backup quarterback on Detroit's depth chart.
"For some reason, I was labeled fat, lazy, or this, a pot smoker, or whatever else was said," Williams said after being traded to the Oakland Raiders. "And that was the farthest thing from it."
Williams takes some blame for being late to meetings and clashing with coaches. But whatever the other reasons for his failure in Detroit, he knows that the draft-day trade to Oakland gives him what could be a final chance to prove himself as an NFL receiver.
"Getting traded was the best news I've had in, I can't remember," he said. "I never failed on any level of football. I feel like my first couple of years at Detroit I look at as kind of a failure. I failed at it for numerous reasons. Now, you just put it behind you and learn from it."
The deal reunites Williams with Raiders coach Lane Kiffin, who persuaded Williams to leave Florida to attend Southern California and then coached him there for two years. Williams even called Kiffin at times the past two years to discuss his troubles.
Williams reported to the Raiders' facility Sunday, the day after he was acquired with quarterback Josh McCown for a fourth-round draft pick. Oakland then dumped its own disgruntled receiver, Randy Moss, to New England.
"This is Mike's chance," Kiffin said.
The Raiders are not risking much. He's locked up for three years at a favorable salary and they can cut him with no salary cap hit if he doesn't work out.
"I'm in the position of where it's kind of make or break," Williams said. "I've got a lot prove and I've got to make a statement in this league as a player. I'm glad to have a fresh start to do that."
Ex-Lion Mike Williams likes fresh start
Ex-Lion Mike Williams likes fresh start
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