This has raised questions about whether Williams was improperly in possession of a firearm and if the police handled the situation appropriately.

The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office is currently reviewing the case and indicated that a decision on whether to bring charges may take some time. Meanwhile, the police department is also investigating whether its officers adhered to internal protocols and laws.

The issue came to light on Tuesday when WXYZ-TV reported on a traffic stop involving Williams earlier this month. The station aired video clips showing the police encounter, which have since sparked widespread discussion. According to WXYZ, Williams was stopped on October 8 while his brother was driving the vehicle. During the stop, officers discovered two firearms: one registered to the driver, who had a concealed weapon permit, and another registered to Williams, who did not have a permit.

Michigan law requires that any gun owner must possess a valid concealed pistol license to legally carry a loaded weapon in a motor vehicle. Defense attorney Patrick O'Keefe suggests that nuances in the case, such as “constructive possession,” might play a role in Williams' defense. Initially, Williams was handcuffed by the police, but he was eventually released by a sergeant after consulting with his supervisor, leading some to believe that Williams was given preferential treatment.

Other attorneys have suggested that the case might hinge on whether Williams knew his firearm was in the car. Dan Geherin, a defense attorney from Ann Arbor, mentioned that the fact the driver had a permit could be a distinctive factor. It's theoretically possible that the permit could cover both guns, although this remains to be seen. Geherin added that the lack of immediate danger during the traffic stop might have led officers to avoid making an arrest.

Williams could face severe consequences. A firearm violation in Michigan is potentially a five-year felony. However, the prosecutor has the discretion to charge Williams with a lesser misdemeanor like illegal transportation of a firearm, which carries a lighter penalty.

This incident places Williams under further public scrutiny as many believe he should be held to a higher standard due to his status as a role model. Williams is also facing criticism following a recent suspension for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing substances policy, despite his claims of not using any prohibited items.

The Lions commented on Tuesday that Williams had informed the team about the traffic stop and that the organization has discussed the incident with him, keeping the NFL informed. The team stated that Williams would not be making any additional comments at this time.

As the situation unfolds, both the legal ramifications for Williams and the actions of the Detroit Police Department remain under intense examination.