Duke Williams Dismissed by Auburn: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

Auburn Tigers wide receiver D’haquille "Duke" Williams has been dismissed from the team, coach Gus Malzahn announced Monday night.

Malzahn did not specify the reason for Williams’ dismissal, though 247Sports' Phillip Marshall cited sources who indicated that Williams was “involved in an altercation.”

Charles Goldberg of AuburnTigers.com provided a statement from Malzahn: "When individuals fail to meet the expectations of our program, there has to be consequences. I gave D’haquille the chance to prove himself. I am disappointed that it did not work out."

The senior was suspended for last season’s Outback Bowl and again this August—for a violation of undisclosed team rules and "discipline issues," respectively, according to AL.com’s Brandon Marcello. 

SEC Network anchor Peter Burns tweeted about the news Monday night:

Williams, a preseason All-SEC selection and former 4-star recruit, per Scout.com, transferred to Auburn from Gulf Coast Community College in 2014 and had a breakout season, hauling in 45 passes for 730 yards and five touchdowns.

He was limited to just 12 catches for 147 yards and a touchdown in Auburn’s first five games this year. His struggles have coincided with a disappointing year for the Tigers, who are 3-2 (0-2 SEC) and unranked after opening the season as College Football Playoff favorites at No. 6 in the Associated Press Top 25.

His absence will assuredly hurt an already lifeless Auburn offense, which ranks 89th overall in total yards (1,719) and 93rd in scoring (24.6 points per game) among FBS teams. Those marks are 13th and 11th, respectively, in the SEC. 

The Tigers are off this week and will play again Thursday, October 15, at Kentucky.