Ricky Williams

[Davenavarro10]

MIAMI Apr 25, 2006 (AP)— Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams was suspended for the 2006 season by the NFL on Tuesday for violating the league's substance abuse policy for the fourth time.

The league announced the suspension after Williams' appeal of his latest positive drug test was denied. Williams met with NFL counsel Jeff Pash on April 10 in an attempt to have the league overturn the test.

"I'm disappointed with the decision, but I respect it," Williams said in a statement released by the Dolphins. "I'm proud of my association with the National Football League and look forward to returning to the Dolphins in 2007."

Previous positive tests were for marijuana, which Williams acknowledged using. The latest test apparently involved a drug other than marijuana.

The 1998 Heisman Trophy winner and 2002 NFL rushing champion, Williams retired and sat out the 2004 season, then returned last year to play for new Miami coach Nick Saban.

He served a four-game suspension at the start of the 2005 season for his third violation of the drug program, then ran for 743 yards and averaged 4.4 yards a carry while sharing playing time with rookie Ronnie Brown.

News that Williams had failed another drug test surfaced in February, while he was in India studying yoga and holistic medicine.
Saban repeatedly has praised Williams' conduct and performance last season and supported him in the appeal process.

"This is a league decision, and we are disappointed in what it means for Ricky and the team," Saban said in a statement. "Ricky did an outstanding job for the Dolphins, not only as a player but also what he added as a person to the team's chemistry and to our overall success."

The suspension represents a financial blow for Williams, who owes the Dolphins $8.6 million for breaching his contract when he retired in 2004. His return to the NFL was motivated partly by the need for a paycheck.

It's possible the suspension could mean the end of the mercurial running back's career. If he tries to return in 2007, he'll be 30 years old and will have played a total of 12 games in the previous three seasons.

[Davenavarro10]

Well there goes the season. It's the same story with the Dolphins year after year. Let's see what record we end up with this season.

[Bling]

who cares fuck ricky.. the dolphins are jackasses to have resigned him last season anyways

[ctferni]

Why are we jackasses for signing him? For having a veteran premier back in our backfield while he gets paid the league minimum? Ricky Williams was the best bargain in the NFL last year. Its unfortunate that he isnt coming back next year but this doesnt mean our season is over. Dont underestimate Ronnie Brown.

Im tired of Miami fans. If we dont have the best team and win a championship then everyone thinks we suck! Everyone doubted the dolphins last year and they went 9-7. People not giving the heat credit this year when they have the second best record in the east.

[ctferni]

Oh yeah and by the way Ronnie had a better rooking season than Ricky!

Ricky: 12 starts - 253 carries - 884 yards - 3.5 avg - 2 TD
Ronnie: 14 starts - 207 carries - 907 yards - 4.4 avg - 4 TD

Those are rushing stats. He also did better receiving

Ricky: 172 yards - 0 TD
Ronnie: 232 yards - 1 TD

[durrtylexx]

blah

[LeVeL]

Ronnie Brown is going have a Thousand Yard plus season this year, the kid will carry the load. He just needsto work on holding on to the ball more, too many fumbles but I hope he works on it on the offseason and mini-camp.

Ronnie Brown is a hard back to bring down hence the Kansas City Game last year.

[rhythmburn]

bye-bye Ricky...and good riddance....

Go Phins!!!