Aug. 25, 2004
SportsLine.com wire reports

CORAL GABLES, Fla. -- Miami freshman linebacker Willie Williams will be sidelined at least two months after having surgery Wednesday to repair a torn ligament in his right knee.

Williams, widely considered the nation's top prep defensive player, injured the knee in a pileup near the end of practice Tuesday. He had surgery to repair the lateral collateral ligament in his knee.

Although the 6-foot-2, 230-pound Williams has looked sharp this fall, he wasn't going to be allowed to play for at least the first month of the season while he "proves himself academically."

Williams has been under intense scrutiny since he signed with Miami in February and it was revealed he had an extensive criminal record. He pleaded no contest earlier this summer to two separate charges stemming from his official visit to Florida and was placed on probation.

He must follow a strict set of rules to remain a student and keep his scholarship.



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