The NFL Players Association has come to the defense of Trent Williams.
In a statement released Sunday, the NFLPA expressed support for the Redskins tackle and said it will consider "potential action" if the "campaign against him" goes on.
"In our multiple conversations with Trent and his agent, we have considered various options based on the facts, but we also understand that Trent wants to put this all behind him, not relive a painful experience when his life was in danger and move on with his career," the statement read. "We are also aware of misinformation being repeated on the NFL's own network that is not sourced and is only designed to tarnish Trent's reputation.
"Our union supports Trent, is protecting his rights and continues to consider potential action if a campaign against him continues."
Our statement on behalf of Trent Williams:
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) November 3, 2019
In our multiple conversations with Trent and his agent, we have considered various options based on the facts, but we also understand that Trent wants to put this all behind him, not relive a painful experience when his life was (1/3)
...in danger and move on with his career. We are also aware of misinformation being repeated on the NFL's own network that is not sourced and is only designed to tarnish Trent's reputation. (2/3)
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) November 3, 2019
...Our union supports Trent, is protecting his rights and continues to consider potential action if a campaign against him continues. (3/3)
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) November 3, 2019
Williams revealed on Thursday he was diagnosed with cancer this offseason and had a piece of a tumor removed. He was told he has DFSP, which according to the American Academy of Dermatology, is a rare skin cancer that develops in the middle layer of skin. Williams said the cancer was weeks away from reaching his brain.
The seven-time Pro Bowl player said the growth started nearly six years ago but he was told by the Redskins it was nothing serious.
"I was told it was something minor, so I never really questioned it," Williams told reporters. "It continued to grow over the years. It was concerning but there was no pain involved. If I’m being told by the very people who I put my career in the hands of that I’m fine — I’m fine."
Williams thought he was dealing with a cyst until he received the DFSP diagnosis. He said he nearly lost his life and spent two weeks in a Chicago hospital without a single visit from anyone in the Redskins organization.
"I think the diagnosis they gave me at the beginning, they underestimated it. It was far more advanced than they realized," he said.
Washington’s mismanagement of Williams' condition was the catalyst for his holdout and he said Wednesday he no longer trusts the organization.
Williams failed his physical last week after having issues with his helmet, likely stemming from his offseason procedure. He is in the fourth year of a five-year, $68 million deal he signed in August 2015 and said he hasn’t asked the Redskins for any additional guaranteed money to help atone for their mismanagement of his condition.
The Redskins released a statement shortly after Williams issued his remarks.
"The Washington Redskins have requested that the NFL's Management Council convene a joint committee with the NFLPA to review the medical records and the medical care given to Trent Williams," the statement Welp. Here we go. #Redskins on Trent Williams 👇🏽 pic.twitter.com/v8XsNN0p6c