Steelers ILB Vince Williams releases statement on "threat" made towards Bengals Vontaze Burfict

Editor's Note: Pittsburgh Steelers ILB Vince Williams reached out to BTSC to release a statement in regards to his Twitter comment directed towards Cincinnati Bengals Vontaze Burfict.

If you don't follow Pittsburgh Steelers ILB Vince Williams on Twitter, I strongly suggest you do so (@VinnyVidiVici98) as soon as possible. And before you think it has anything to do with the recent tweet sent in regards to Cincinnati Bengals Vontaze Burfict, you are wrong.

Williams is one of the most honest and well-spoken athletes you will find on social media. He interacts with fans, and shows respect not only for his team and teammates, but the game itself. When Williams' tweet directed towards Burfict sent ripples throughout the NFL waters, it was Williams who reached out to BTSC to make a statement on his comments. He didn't back off his words, but simply wanted a platform to explain them. I was happy to oblige.

Here is what he had to say:

"First of all, anyone who knows me knows I'm not a thug. I'm also not going to apologize for my words either. I was infuriated by the fact that one of my closest teammates was taken out by a notoriously dirty player. I got conformation that he was gloating about causing a season-ending injury. I'm confused as to how anyone could be happy about that, especially since they had just gone through the same thing. I was siting there, the pop (from Bell's knee) was loud, do you know what it's like to see someone you consider a brother to be in pain and to have something they cherish ripped away from them? Then to watch the player that did it smiling about it. I'm sure that would make anyone want to punch someone in the face. I shouldn't have taken these feelings to Twitter but I did. If caring about my teammates makes me a villain then I'll be public enemy #1 any day and everyday."

Williams has since deleted the tweet, but it has caused quite the stir between the two franchises who don't meet again until December 13th in Cincinnati. Williams didn't shy away from his words, or his unique way of sticking up for his teammate. Some might call that a breathe of fresh air in a society known for the knee-jerk "take back" when something controversial is said.

Williams said what he said, and he isn't backing off those comments. Guess he is prepared to be "public enemy No. 1", and I'm sure he has several teammates who will be right behind him.