Demond Williams Jr. really messed things up in the last couple of days, and Husky fans are rightfully ticked off about it. Many are ready to move on from him, regardless of his talent, skill, apologies, or any of the sort. There will be many fans who may never forgive him, or at least take a long time to do it, but there are a few things he can do that will start the healing process.
Williams and his team need some real top-notch PR moments between now and the start of the season. Here are four ways he can help mend the bridge. Rebuild the burnt boats and clean up the mess he created.
1. Hold a press conference that forces him to face the music
Repentance will look like facing the music and dealing with all the questions, scrutiny, anger, and more. He has to come before the press and formally, visually, and orally apologize. Then answer their questions, say the right things, fire up Husky nation both with sincerity and humility.
If Demond comes back:
— Dave “Softy” Mahler (@Softykjr) January 9, 2026
He holds a press conference. Answers any and all questions the media may have. Apologizes.
Makes amends with his teammates.
Balls out.
That's a start, but it's not good on it's own. He also needs to:
2. Publicly and formally apologize to Mia Hamant's family
Sure, the quick statement on Instagram was a start, but it's not good enough. He's the most public and famous Washington athlete, and not only skipping the memorial but then upstaging it with his ill-timed announcement was a huge gaffe. He has to apologize to the family and even donate some of his money to a charity of their choice. Shoot, set up a women's soccer scholarship on her behalf.
3. He needs to somehow get his teammates to publicly show support
Not that they should fake it, but after he apologizes to them for this distraction and nonsense. Hopefully, they begin to trust him and have his back, as he's the leader of the team. If they are up for supporting him, they need to let the fanbase know. That will go a long way to rebuild fan support is knowing his teammates support him.
4. Donate money or give some back to the NIL fund
This may not happen, but it would score him big points if he found a way to give back some of his money either to charity to back into the NIL coffers. There's no way after what happened, UW or Williams camp wants to open up that contract that he signed four days ago. It was clearly iron-tight enough to send him, like a dog with his tail between his legs, back to Montlake. So don't touch it, but he should consider donating in other ways.
Oh and one more thing and this will really win the fans back: