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Kansas RB Pooka Williams granted diversion in battery case

LAWRENCE, Kan. -- Kansas running back Pooka Williams has been granted diversion in a domestic battery case.

The Kansas City Star reports Williams appeared in court Wednesday. If he successfully completes diversion, the domestic battery charge would be kept off his record.

An affidavit alleges that Williams punched an 18-year-old woman in the stomach and grabbed her by the throat last month. The affidavit says the woman had text messages from Williams admitting to punching her and a police officer found bruises on the woman.

Williams reportedly told police that he pushed the woman when he saw her in a room with other men. Both have said they were in an intimate relationship.

Williams was the Big 12 offensive freshman of the year and a first-team all-Big 12 selection as running back and kick returner last season.

He was suspended from the football program Dec. 7.