Nebraska wide receivers coach Keith Williams has been suspended by Nebraska head coach Mike Riley until Aug. 31 without pay, and will be unable to coach in, or attend, the first four games of the season.

Williams was charged with misdemeanor DUI and careless driving following a traffic accident at 9th and N streets in Lincoln on Aug. 14.

Riley said in a statement released Friday that Williams has begun counseling and will assist the University and community with outreach on drunk driving. Williams has two prior DUI convictions in California.

“This has been a very difficult week for Keith, for his family, for our football program and for our Husker community,” Riley said in the statement. “Keith has admitted his error in judgment and completely recognizes the harm that he could have caused with his reckless actions. Since his arrival in Lincoln, he has been an outstanding coach, mentor and leader, and I know that Keith will work hard to move beyond this incident and to regain the trust of those he has disappointed. We continue to educate our student-athletes throughout the year not only on the dangers of alcohol but also on the consequences of bad decision-making and I know that the events from this weekend will serve as powerful reminder of that lesson.”

Since arriving at Nebraska two years ago, Williams has become known as an energetic position coach and recruiter. Williams’ first game of the 2016 season will be the Oct. 1 matchup with Illinois. In a statement, Williams expressed regret for his actions. His next court appearance will be Oct. 24. Earlier this week he pled not guilty to misdemeanor driving under the influence and careless driving.

“Words cannot fully express my deep regret and profound remorse for my actions this past weekend. I want to apologize to my family, the Nebraska family, the young men in our football program, Coach Riley, Shawn Eichorst, Chancellor Green and President Bounds for any harm that I may have caused this phenomenal institution. Over the coming weeks, I plan to begin to make amends and to engage in personal counseling to assist in my journey. I understand there is no room for error for me at Nebraska and I am going to work hard every day to prove that I am worthy to represent the Huskers.”

Williams is expected to make a brief statement after Friday morning’s practice, and Riley and Eichorst are expected to meet with media as well.

Additional Statements:

UNL Chancellor Ronnie Green: “The University of Nebraska—and every member of our community—has a responsibility to represent our institution and our state with dignity, integrity and pride. Keith’s alleged actions do not reflect who we are and who we want to be, so I am in complete agreement with the discipline handed down in light of this very serious and dangerous matter. I’ve seen Keith’s remorse, and I’m confident in his commitment to doing all he can to regain the trust and respect of every member of the University of Nebraska global family.”

University of Nebraska President Hank Bounds: "It is clear to me that Keith Williams cares deeply about our student-athletes and the University of Nebraska. He has made a positive difference in the lives of many young men in our football program. Keith has made a serious mistake and there is no question that disciplinary action is required. I also believe in redemption and I fully support Coach Riley and Shawn Eichorst’s decision to give Keith an opportunity to change his life for the better so that he can continue to make an impact on our students, the university and in the community.”