Defensive coordinator Alan Williams’ resignation from the Chicago Bears on Wednesday fueled false rumors of an FBI raid across social media. Or were they actually true?
Speculation started swirling Wednesday afternoon when several social media accounts alleged the Bears’ practice facility, Halas Hall, and Williams’ home had been raided by the FBI on the same day.
Hours later, Williams stepped down for personal reasons and his lawyer said he was not involved in any criminal legal action.
“The rumors on social media are offensive and one hundred percent untrue,” said Andrew M. Stroth, Williams’ personal attorney. “Coach Williams resigned today because of personal health challenges and personal family issues. There was no raid on Halas Hall, and no raid on his home.”
On Thursday, Pat McAfee stated his sources told him that a raid did in fact happen at Williams’ home. The Bears made it clear no raid happened at their facility but mentioned nothing about Williams’ home, which had everyone thinking that part was true.
“Anytime you hear about an FBI raid happening, you assume when there’s some smoke, there’s a fire,” McAfee said. “We will say–I mean, we’ve sued for a lot of stuff—but our sources have told me that an FBI raid did happen on the defensive coordinator of the Chicago Bears Alan Williams’ house.”
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“Nonetheless, he has resigned from the Chicago Bears quickly,” said McAfee. “He’s been removed. All the conversation around him has kind of been distant. The Bears have kind of just said that it’s a personal matter, they’re dealing with it, they’re doing their whole thing. We will see how this whole thing turns out.”
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport provided clarity to the report, stating the following:
The Chicago Bears have stumbled their way to an 0-2 start, saw their alleged franchise quarterback cite “Coaching” as to why he appears to be playing robotic and, now, have also lost their defensive coordinator. All of this is happening on the heels of the team getting the No. 1 overall pick, trading it to Carolina for more picks and DJ Moore, having expectations for Fields to turn the corner, and watching everything implode just two games in.
A William & Mary graduate, Williams has worked in the NFL since 2001, when he was first hired as an assistant coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Fields has passed for 427 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions during the Bears’ 0-2 start. He’s rushed for only 62 yards and a touchdown.
