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Ricky Williams decision likely after the draft
Ricky Williams decision likely after draft
By Alex Marvez
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Posted April 19 2007
Ricky Williams is six days from being eligible for reinstatement to the NFL, but the suspended running back may have to wait until after the draft April 28-29 before being able to officially rejoin the Dolphins. Williams was banned from the NFL on April 25, 2006 after losing an appeal of a fourth failed drug test. Agent Leigh Steinberg said Wednesday that Williams has sent a letter asking for reinstatement to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and is undergoing regular drug testing under the NFL's auspices. Under the NFL's substance-abuse policy, Williams would continue getting tested after reinstatement at a frequency determined by the league's medical advisor. "He's been passing the tests steadily, and I don't expect any problem," Steinberg said. But immediate reinstatement is unlikely because Williams' petition is subject to a review process that includes evaluation of his medical records and substance-abuse history. Williams has tested positive for marijuana three times since 2002, but his fourth failed test was for another substance. Goodell, who recently implemented a stricter player conduct policy, has 60 days to decide Williams' status. While Dolphins coach Cam Cameron and General Manager Randy Mueller have refused comment on Williams' future, the club has done little to address the running-back position even after the free-agent losses of 2006 backups Sammy Morris (New England) and Travis Minor (St. Louis). The Dolphins are likely to address more pressing need areas early in the draft. Williams and starter Ronnie Brown formed an effective rushing combination in 2005, combining for 1,650 yards and 10 touchdowns........ ~The Answer |
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