Williams, arrested after a car accident Sunday, pleaded not guilty to charges of drunken driving and careless driving Monday in Lancaster County Court. He’s been convicted of two DUIs in California — in 2004 and 2009.

The third-offense DUI charge is a misdemeanor in Nebraska, punishable by 90 days to one year in jail and as much as a $1,000 fine. He could have his driver’s license revoked for 15 years.

Riley said contingency plans have been discussed if Williams’ legal punishments impede his ability to work. “We can adjust,” Riley said.

Williams’ next court date is Oct. 24. He is slated to be back with the program in full capacity by then. He can’t attend a game until the Oct. 1 home matchup against Illinois — but he’ll return to his office Sept. 1, when he’ll be allowed to conduct position meetings, coach at practice and handle normal recruiting responsibilities.

Williams said it will be difficult to be away from the team for the next few days. But he said he made a “poor decision” for which he has no excuse. Now he must accept the consequences.