Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, October 20, 1993 TAG: 9310200178
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: From Houston Chronicle and Associated Press reports
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
The controversy has been seething since Saturday, when Williams stayed in Houston to assist in the birth of his first child that night instead of traveling to Foxboro, Mass., with the team to participate in Sunday's afternoon game against the New England Patriots.
Williams' wife, Debi, gave birth to a healthy boy, and the Oilers - even without their starting right offensive tackle - won the game.
That Williams would put family responsibilities before his commitment to football made the Oilers' coaching staff furious - and they vented their feelings publicly.
This, in turn, has caused an uproar that finds Williams standing by his decision, Houston fans seething over the callous reaction of the coaches and team management scrambling to clear the air.
Local radio talk shows were jammed Monday with irate callers who supported Williams' position and took the Oilers to task.
"A few thought that he had a job to do and should have been there," said Dan Patrick, KSEV's station manager, "but most pretty much thought he was doing the right thing, considering that this was his wife's first birth and she'd had a miscarriage before. After all, football is just a game."
by CNB