MINNEAPOLIS -- Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Kevin Williams will plead not guilty to a domestic assault charge, his
lawyers said Friday.
The All-Pro selection is due in court on Tuesday to face a
charge of fifth-degree domestic assault, a misdemeanor.
"We are contesting all of the allegations," said Williams'
attorney, Joe Tamburino.
His other defense attorney, Allan Caplan, predicted his client
will be cleared.
"I feel perfectly comfortable saying that when the matter
resolves itself, it will it will resolve itself with Kevin Williams
being completely and totally exonerated of any wrongdoing," Caplan
said.
Police in suburban Minnetonka charged the 6-foot-5, 304-pound
Williams after his wife called 911 during a domestic disturbance at
their home about 3 a.m. Aug. 28.
Williams' brother, Derrick, was issued a formal complaint for
interfering with emergency communications. He allegedly hung up the
phone during the 911 call, saying the Vikings' player didn't need
the media attention.
Police records said that when officers arrived, Tasha Williams
had blood on her white T-shirt and two lacerations on her left
forearm.
According to the records, she said her husband was mad at her
because she wasn't wearing her wedding ring. She said she hit him
between the eyes with her cell phone to get him off her, and that
he then flung her across their bed. She said she hit the bedstand
and fell to the ground.
Kevin Williams was observed to be under the influence of
alcohol, the police records alleged. He told police his wife had
grabbed a knife but did not threaten him with it, and that he took
it away from her.
It was not the first arrest for Williams, who was picked up for
drunken driving in 2003.
Williams, who will start in Sunday's season opener against Tampa
Bay, declined to comment Friday. Coach Mike Tice also had no
comment.