SPORTS

Gus Malzahn addresses D'haquille Williams tweets

James Crepea
Montgomery Advertiser
Auburn wide receiver D'haquille Williams celebrates with Auburn wide receiver Ricardo Louis after scoring a touchdown during the Auburn A-Day spring game on Saturday, April 18, 2015, at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala.

FLORENCE – A series of cryptic tweets by star wide receiver D'haquille Williams last week had some watchful fans fearing he was going to leave the program, but after addressing the matter Auburn coach Gus Malzahn is not concerned.

Williams, who regularly encourages teammates via social media by telling them to "say less," caused quite a stir last Wednesday night when he posted a series of five tweets, all of which were deleted by the next morning, insinuating he was not happy and wished to leave Auburn.

"Kids are going to be kids," Malzahn said before the Shoals Area Tiger Trek stop on Monday. "We've got to do a better job with what we tweet out."

Williams' tweets began at 8:27 p.m. Wednesday with "Ion [sic] think This where I wanna be."

Two minutes later Williams posted, "Have to see what my options is after my last exams," followed four minutes later by "#NewBeginning (peace sign)."

After another two minutes went by the senior wide out posted, "Nun [sic] meant to last long it Wass fun while it lasted tho."

Finally, Williams concluded the missives at 10:02 p.m. with, "Can't wait to go home tomorrow I need to get away."

Fans became increasingly concerned, replying messages of support to Williams after each post.

The incident caused enough of a stir that wide receivers coach Dameyune Craig posted a photo of himself with Williams smiling in Craig's office on Thursday with the message "Everything Gucci!"

The dust appeared to settle further when Williams posted on Friday, "Officially a senior now #Blessed now it's time to step up nd [sic] become that man I know I can be."

Craig, who last week said Williams is the only receiver to solidify a starting role entering next season, has lauded the LaPlace, Louisiana native's growth, improved leadership and maturity since the end of last season.

Williams had 45 receptions for 730 yards and five touchdowns despite missing two games due to injury and being suspended for the Outback Bowl for breaking team rules, the nature of which was never officially disclosed, though Williams posted a picture showing he suffered an apparent injury to his eye in mid-December.

"He's maturing as a person, he's making an effort to do that and I've seen a big change in him," Craig said last month. "I'm excited about him coming back, not because it'll help us win games, but I'm excited about him coming back as his development as a person off the field and I think he's made tremendous strides (early in the spring), becoming that person."

Malzahn said he understands the reasons for Williams' missteps via social media to date.

"Well, I mean, you know, as a head coach I'm aware of everything as far that goes," Malzahn said. "Like I said we have to do a better job in the future."