Dolphins Ricky Williams RETIRES FROM NFL

[ALinChainz]

He had endorsement money too, which could have easily equalled his NFL haul.

If he is, or has been smart. He could do it. Kids, homes, etc.

Like Patrick Ewing said during the NBA lockout a while back, "we spend a lot, we need a lot". Something to that effect.

[ALinChainz]

Ricky Williams Retires

by Paul Charchian - publisher, Fanball.com


Sunday, July 25, 2004


In the offseason's most surprising move, Pro Bowl running back Ricky Williams has retired from the NFL, according to the Miami Herald. The Dolphin leaves three unfulfilled years on his contract, and leaves his former team in a bind.

The Dolphins' backup runners are Sammy Morris and Travis Minor. In a pinch, the team could try to get through the season with Morris as the primary runner, and Minor as the passing-down back. But considering their inconsistent track records, the team will likely need to find another back to be its workhorse.

With Antowain Smith recently signed in Tennessee, the free agent market is very thin. The questionable legs of Stacey Mack and James Stewart might be the best candidates available.


Without any strong free agents, trading might be the team's only other viable option. While it's speculative, we'll throw out some possibilities. Onterrio Smith is the odd man out of the Vikings' rotation, especially after last week when head coach Mike Tice told radio listeners that he plans to run Michael Bennett until Bennett takes himself out of the game. Another possibility is 2003 playoff hero De'Shaun Foster. A team source has told Fanball.com that the Panthers looked to move Foster on draft day, in part out of concern for his fumbling problems. The Eagles could shed Correll Buckhalter, but only if they're convinced that Brian Westbrook can be a full-time back. The Bears' Anthony Thomas has likely lost his starting job to Thomas Jones, and could be available. Lastly, with the drafting of Steven Jackson, the Rams can afford to cast off Lamar Gordon.

Williams has also admitted to taking a drug-masking agent, designed to allow him to pass the NFL's drug-testing rules. He alleges that NFL players use the agent "by the gallon."

Williams recently tested positive for marijuana use, and circumstantial evidence suggests that drug use may have been a motivating factor in the decision. In talking to the Herald, Williams acknowledges prior marijuana use and infers that he will continue to use marijuana now that he is out of the NFL.

He spent part of the offseason with rock star Lenny Kravitz, an admitted marijuana user and legalization advocate. He also spent time with Snoop Dogg, a rap star who has often appeared on camera with marijuana. While in Jamaica, he spent time with Bob Marley's kids and said, ''The people in Jamaica, living in these little tin shacks, they were the happiest people I've ever seen.''

Meanwhile, the rules setup by the NFL have grated on Williams. "Human beings aren't supposed to be controlled and told what to do. They're supposed to be given direction and a path. Don't tell me what I can and can't do. Please."

Many will draw the conclusion that Williams left the NFL to afford himself the luxury of smoking pot without fear of ramifications.

Williams rushed for 1,372 yards last year, almost 500 shy of his career high set the prior season.

[ALinChainz]

Not to overkill, but this article had a few more items on which possibilities the Dolphins had.


And more on the pot.

[POJO_Risin]

Who knows what he'll do...

I suspect he'll be back next year...or even later this year...

as a matter of fact...I'd guarantee it...

[POJO_Risin]

DeShaun Foster is an interesting back...

curious to see if that's a possibility...

[Troy]

Is it me or could Wandstedt be one of the superfans from the old Saturday Night Live days??? The bits with Norm, Farley & Myers.

[POJO_Risin]

You know...I think I actually thought that very thing once...

[Troy]

Listening to him today, he has the look and the vioce down. He was in Chicago so, that would make sense...