Up in Smoke

Breaking news out of Miami is that Ricky Williams has lost an appeal on his suspension for the 2006 season. Williams failed his fourth drug test, this time for an herb that was categorized as an amphetamine. His previous failed drug tests resulted from his affinity for marijuana. After sitting out the first four games of 2005, Ricky contributed over 700 yards over the last twelve. In the final two weeks of the season he topped the 100 yard mark and looked to be back in football shape. However, Ricky's career has been defined by his character issues rather than his dominant running.

At the University of Texas, Ricky established himself as one of the best college running backs of all time. He left school as NCAA's all-time leading rusher and grabbed the Heisman on his way to being the 5th pick in the 1999 NFL Draft to the New Orleans Saints. Legendary coach Mike Ditka sacrificed nearly his entire draft to move up to number five and pick up the braided talent. Ditka, widely respected for his success in Chicago, defended his bold move and sported fake braids of his own in support of his new star. Months later the duo appeared on the cover of ESPN the Magazine, with Ricky decked out in a wedding dress. Unfortunately, the honeymoon wasn't as romantic as the courtship. Although Williams produced two- thousand yard seasons in his three campaigns in the Bayou, he struggled to stay on the field and was sent to Miami after the 2001 season. In Miami he catapulted to one of the elite backs in the NFL, rushing for over 1600 yards and 16 touchdowns in his first season with the team. He backed that up with another productive season the following year in '03, but then the circus began.

Before T.O was making headlines with his antics, it was Ricky who set the standard for bizarre superstar activity. Just days before training camp opened, Ricky decided to leave the team. His teammates shunned him and pundits panned him for his lack of loyalty to the team. He explained his heart was not in it, but for a premier player making lots of money this was unacceptable. Then he began working his way in to the hearts of college stoners everywhere. It was announced he was pulling a Dave Chapelle disappearing act to smoke weed and practice holistic medicine. Back home teammates such as Jason Taylor lamented his decision, saying they would never welcome him back. When Ricky was informed he would have to pay the team back their money, he sat down with Mike Wallace of 60 minutes to explain his story. Men such as Taylor and Center Matt Birk, another outspoken critic, accepted his apology and looked forward to how he could contribute. While he certainly did not perform up to his past levels, he provided a solid 1-2 punch with rookie Ronnie Brown and helped lead the Dolphins on a late season surge. Unfortunately, he will not be able to help take them to the next level this season. Williams' tale is another sad story in sports. Despite having money, fame, and blessed with unbelieveable abilities, these men are no different than anyone else. They are susceptible to destructive lifestyles, and Williams has become another cautionary tale. He was given a second chance in Miami, and unfortunately failed again. Coach Saban has been supportive and it appears he will be allowed to come back. He vows to be back in '07, sports enthusiasts everywhere should hope so. It would be a great story of redemption for a once enormously talented back and demonstrate that people can overcome personal demons.