Michigan State RB Delton Williams returning after weapons incident

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) Michigan State says running back Delton Williams is returning to the Spartans this fall as a non-scholarship athlete.

Williams was suspended from the team in March, shortly after being arraigned on a charge of brandishing a firearm in public. He later pleaded guilty to a reduced weapons charge, according to court records.

Michigan State says Williams violated a university ordinance by possessing a weapon on campus. Coach Mark Dantonio said Williams has satisfied the expectations of the school's student conduct system, the court and the football program.

?Delton comprehends the severity of the situation and understands that decisions have consequences," Danotnio said in a team release. "He also appreciates the fact that wearing the Michigan State uniform is a privilege and not his right."

Williams ran for 316 yards last season as a sophomore, finishing third on the team in rushing behind seniors Jeremy Langford and Nick Hill.

Williams says he wants to apologize to the entire Spartan family, and he appreciates the opportunity to return.

?Obviously, I didn?t want this to happen and cast a negative light on the University and our football program like it has for the last four months, Williams said.

?I appreciate the University and Coach Dantonio for providing me with the opportunity to return and finish what I started. Being a student-athlete at Michigan State is truly an opportunity of a lifetime. It was a judgment call, but they all decided to provide me with a second chance. I?m truly blessed and grateful for this opportunity."