Baller Missed 2006, 2007 Seasons Missed of Drug Addiction
Dolphins running back Ricky Williams has played in only 12 NFL games since the start of the 2004 season. Now that he's trying to stay clean and sober, that's about to change.
The African American Miami NFL star has been reinstated, ESPN reported Wednesday. Williams has played in only 12 NFL games since the start of the 2004 season, but rushed for 3,225 yards in 2002-03. His current suspension began in April 2006 after he violated the league’s drug policy for the fourth time. He tested positive for marijuana this April, again delaying his return.
Dolphins running back Ricky Williams has played in only 12 NFL games since the start of the 2004 season. Now that he's trying to stay clean and sober, that's about to change.
The African American Miami NFL star has been reinstated, ESPN reported Wednesday. Williams has played in only 12 NFL games since the start of the 2004 season, but rushed for 3,225 yards in 2002-03. His current suspension began in April 2006 after he violated the league’s drug policy for the fourth time. He tested positive for marijuana this April, again delaying his return.
Under the league’s substance abuse program, when a player applies for reinstatement the doctors have up to 45 days to submit their report and recommendation to the commissioner. He then has up to 15 days to make a decision. That means the process could take up to 60 days from the day Williams applies to be reinstated.Williams remains under contract with Miami, where he won the NFL rushing title in 2002. But new coach Cam Cameron has not indicated whether he wants Williams to stay with the Dolphins, who are 0-8. Williams spent an extended vacation in Australia and India during a yearlong retirement in 2004. He played in the Canadian Football League in 2006. “He hasn’t taken the wear and tear on his body in the last couple years,” agent Leigh Steinberg said. “He’s a physical specimen and he’s got the potential to be among the league leaders in rushing. Aside from one unfortunate season, he’s never missed a day of training camp.”
More importantly, however, is how this Black man deals with that addict that desperately wants to come out and play. Too many of these athletes are dealing with self-esteeem issues, depression, ego, and fear. Let's make sure that while we're giving Rickey love whenever he returns to the field, that we keep him prayed up. He's gonna need it!