Williams says he's 'clean', ready to come back

[CaGamblers 0]

Williams says he's 'clean', ready to come back

By Greg A. Bedard

 

Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

 

Saturday, May 12, 2007

 

UPDATED: 4:29 p.m. May 12, 2007

 

With reports swirling that he tested positive for Josh Gordon in April, Dolphins running back Ricky Williams said late Friday night that he is "clean" and is preparing for a "triumphant return to the NFL."

 

In a statement released to the Associated Press through his agent, Leigh Steinberg, Williams did not admit to failing the drug test nor did he deny it. Williams implied the decision to delay his possible reinstatement from a one-year suspension to at least September was as a result of his consultation with a league-appointed psychiatrist, not a flunked drug test.

 

"Due to the recent reports about me failing a drug test, I feel it is appropriate for me to issue this statement," Williams said. "Last month, following a psychological evaluation requested by the NFL, we — the psychiatrist and I — came to the realization that there were a few things I needed to iron out about myself in order to make my return to the NFL as successful as possible.

 

"I am an honest, God-fearing man who is intensely dedicated to being the best person I can be on and off the football field. There is no need to smear my name or to defame my character for the sake of news. When the time is right, God willing, I will be back on the field scoring touchdowns for whatever team is fortunate enough to believe in me."

 

Williams went on to thank his backers.

 

"I appreciate all the support I have received from my fans," Williams added in his statement, "and I assure all others that I am strong, clean, and happily preparing myself for a triumphant return to the NFL."

 

Former Dolphins defensive end Kevin Carter said today that Williams' latest violation of the substance abuse policy won't affect how Carter views Williams.

 

"I think it's very unfortunate for him," said Carter, who joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after two seasons in Miami. "What a testimony it would have been to his strength of character to have all the pitfalls and hurdles that he had to come over and then finally have a chance to comeback into the NFL. But for him to test positive, I think it's very unfortunate.

 

"I love Ricky as a person. I think he's a great guy. I don't think the fact that he has an issue with substance abuse makes him a bad person at all. But obviously there are rules set forth by the NFL that are there for a reason. I really feel bad for him."

[jgcoach 0]

I invite you to NY and the surrounding boros here. I have people a plenty you can call good guys while feeling sorry for them at the same time. Oh yeah, if you turn your back on them they'll do a Ricky on ya also, just like him they'll screw ya and stab you in the back when you're not looking. Just as Ricky did to several women and the Dolphins. But, they aren't bad people, I feel sorry for them too.

Edited May 13, 2007 by jgcoach

[The Wolf 0]

I think it'll be interesting to see how this plays out. Other athletes, I've not been so quick to believe then they say they've been clean, stayed out of trouble, have changed, etc. For some reason, I believed RW. Not sure why. He seems to be a likeable guy but who really knows.

[Randall 35]

I think it'll be interesting to see how this plays out. Other athletes, I've not been so quick to believe then they say they've been clean, stayed out of trouble, have changed, etc. For some reason, I believed RW. Not sure why. He seems to be a likeable guy but who really knows.

 

 

 

I have too. He ws tested while in Cnada and all this year(3 times a week). It doesn't make sense he that would light up a joint after all that.

 

But the NFL does double check samples and there is something similar here to what KRob said last year too.

[Fantasy Jesus 0]

Something just doesn't seem right about this whole situation.

 

If he tested positive in April, which would be his 4th and final strike, he'd get a lifetime suspension. Why hasn't he been banned yet? Why are they saying he can apply for reinstatement in September?

[DemonKnight 0]

I invite you to NY and the surrounding boros here. I have people a plenty you can call good guys while feeling sorry for them at the same time. Oh yeah, if you turn your back on them they'll do a Ricky on ya also, just like him they'll screw ya and stab you in the back when you're not looking. Just as Ricky did to several women and the Dolphins. But, they aren't bad people, I feel sorry for them too.

 

 

Are you speaking English?

[broncosn05 0]

I don't think Ricky did light up. I saw the special with TD and him on NFL Network and I know he was tested rigorously in Canada. I really do still like the person and hope this works out for him.

[CaGamblers 0]

I don't think Ricky did light up. I saw the special with TD and him on NFL Network and I know he was tested rigorously in Canada. I really do still like the person and hope this works out for him.

 

 

Ditto - I have always liked Ricky - After watching the interview on the NFL Network even more so - I don't believe he toked again - I wish him well - No one should compare Ricky to Pacman, Michael Vick or anyone of the other thug athletes that are basically just two bit criminals.

[sacosud 0]

Ricky just likes Josh Gordon more than the NFL. Ricky is a head case and can make a decision one second with all the good intentions in the world, then light a joint the next day because he's depressed...I think he's more bi polar than anti-social and I like Williams, but if I'm a GM of a real NFL team no way I come 10 feet of Ricky especially with Godell having a "itchy" trigger finger.

 

Some team is going to get nailed with that code of conduct issue and I would not want to be the first that is fined or has a draft pick taken away.

[broncosn05 0]

Ricky just likes Josh Gordon more than the NFL. Ricky is a head case and can make a decision one second with all the good intentions in the world, then light a joint the next day because he's depressed...I think he's more bi polar than anti-social and I like Williams, but if I'm a GM of a real NFL team no way I come 10 feet of Ricky especially with Godell having a "itchy" trigger finger.

 

Some team is going to get nailed with that code of conduct issue and I would not want to be the first that is fined or has a draft pick taken away.

 

I would take Ricky in a heart beat. The guy has LOADS of talent and his salary would be tiny. I'd take the risk.

[Doc Holliday 0]

I would take Ricky in a heart beat. The guy has LOADS of talent and his salary would be tiny. I'd take the risk.

 

 

 

Agreed.

[sacosud 0]

Agreed.

 

Well the Lions can afford to lose a draft pick or two might actually help them draft better..LOL...

 

Just kidding.

[Doc Holliday 0]

Well the Lions can afford to lose a draft pick or two might actually help them draft better..LOL...

 

Just kidding.

 

 

 

 

[CaGamblers 0]

It's funny, but has anyone heard a statement from the NFL about this so-called blown drug test?

[kpholmes 8]

Ricky is a classy guy. He isn't a criminal, he hasn't shot anyone, he hasn't driven drunk... he just likes to smoke Josh Gordon.. 57% of surveyed young adults have toked it in their lifetime... That doesn't make it right, but that sure doesn't make him a bad person.

 

He's one hell of a player and I sure hope he comes back so I can watch another season or two of him...

I still have my Ricky Williams - Gladiator poster up in my room...

[Donutrun Jellies 21]

Ricky is a classy guy. He isn't a criminal, he hasn't shot anyone, he hasn't driven drunk... he just likes to smoke Josh Gordon.. 57% of surveyed young adults have toked it in their lifetime... That doesn't make it right, but that sure doesn't make him a bad person.

 

Huh.

 

At least we can agree that quitting on his teammates makes him a quitter?

[CaGamblers 0]

Huh.

 

At least we can agree that quitting on his teammates makes him a quitter?

 

 

 

Yes, He did quit/retire in 2005, but how about Michael Jordan retiring/quitting then coming back, then retiring again. We all do things that sometimes aren't at the best time and Ricky is as guilty as anyone of us. What would have been different if Ricky would have got injured instead of retiring for the Dolphins? Teams need to be prepared to deal with all different situations these days - The Dolphins were not prepared with a capable backup like most teams are today.

[broncosn05 0]

It's funny, but has anyone heard a statement from the NFL about this so-called blown drug test?

 

Thought the same thing when I first saw this thread. Just some ESPN reports.

[i_am_the_swammi 36]

"Due to the recent reports about me failing a drug test, I feel it is appropriate for me to issue this statement," Williams said. "Last month, following a psychological evaluation requested by the NFL, we — the psychiatrist and I — came to the realization that there were a few things I needed to iron out about myself in order to make my return to the NFL as successful as possible.

 

 

 

 

I hope to god this square peg doesn't come anywhere near my round hole.

 

[Savage Beatings 99]

Something just doesn't seem right about this whole situation.

 

If he tested positive in April, which would be his 4th and final strike, he'd get a lifetime suspension. Why hasn't he been banned yet? Why are they saying he can apply for reinstatement in September?

 

 

I was wondering the exact same thing. I thought he was just one strike away from a lifetime suspension as well. Its very strange that a positive test in April would allow for an application for reinstatement 5 months later without any penalty whatosever. We must not have all of the facts.

[Jackass 73]

 

I hope to god this square peg doesn't come anywhere near my round hole.

 

 

 

 

[jgcoach 0]

Are you speaking English?

 

 

I think so. What don't you understand? I'll try to explain it to you.

[broncosn05 0]

I think so. What don't you understand? I'll try to explain it to you.

 

It was questionable...

[The Wolf 0]

I think so. What don't you understand? I'll try to explain it to you.

 

There's nothing to explain...broncosn05 is just padding his post numbers. Anyone with half a brain understood you perfectly.

 

By the way, I lived in Queens for 6 years, so I know what you're talking about...South Jamaica.

Edited May 14, 2007 by The Wolf

[BeeR 242]

I believe he is clean. I also believe Bin Laden has decided Christians are swell people.