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Willie Williams’ biggest impact on the University of Louisville football program was not his nine tackles in the three games he played, but the lesson he taught his now former teammates.

When Williams was arrested last Wednesday night for marijuana possession and tampering with evidence, Tom Jurich, Steve Kragthorpe and the athletic department acted very swiftly in dismissing him.

When Jurich brought in the high risk, high reward recruit from West Los Angeles Community College, he promised that he would be on a short leash.

Williams dug his own grave by getting arrested 11 times prior to stepping foot on the field at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium.

The athletic department was right to give Williams a shot at turning his life around; after all, he showed improved behavior while at community college. He earned and deserved the chance to not only play college football for the Cardinals, but to earn an education.

Williams’ talent was undeniable. He was and all-American and ranked as the top linebacker in America coming out of high school. At 6-foot-3, 220 pounds with sub 4.5 speed, he was an imposing force in Cardinal red. He showed spurts of his talent and was working his way towards a starting spot for the Cards before his 12th and latest arrest.

While bringing in Williams was the right decision, cutting him from the team, and in a prompt manner was an even better one.

Kragthorpe has been criticized for being too nice of a guy, hence, losing the respect of some of his players and U of L fans. Players lacked the fear of him that they had for former coach Bobby Petrino. Cutting Williams was a step in the right direction for re-instilling that respect.

Players now know that no matter how talented they are they will be held accountable to having a high character. Missed assignments, missed tackles and dropped balls are one thing, but disregard for the law and a subsequent disrespect for the opportunity given to gain an education while playing the sport they love is another.

Luckily, for all those connected to the school, our last association with Williams was cutting him. Now all of his former teammates can see that our players will be held to a high standard and will be expected to uphold the character of this university.