Feb 20, 2006 2:53 pm US/Eastern
New Sources Confirm Williams Failed Drug Test
Report Claims RB Failed Or Missed NFL Drug test
Dolphins Have No Comment
Could Result In One Year Suspension
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
Nobody is saying anything officially, but unofficially it's an open secret. Sports journalists from across the country are getting confirmation from their sources that Dolphins running back Ricky Williams has failed his fourth NFL drug test. That could bring Williams at least a one year suspension and pit his career at risk.
Miami sports talk show host Hank Goldberg, reporting for ESPN, was the latest to report his sources claim Williams actually failed an NFL required drug test, but Goldberg says he was not told what substance Williams was allegedly using
Sunday, Denver TV station KDVR and CBS4 news partner The Miami Herald both say they've confirmed the test through their bsources, though they did not specify which drug caused the failure. In the past, Williams has failed drug tests for the use of Marijuana.
Marijuana use was a contributing factor to Williams's abrupt decision to retire from football in 2004, walking away from the Dolphins and his NFL career just days before the start of training camp.
Williams changed his mind after Nick Saban was named Dolphins coach, and the Dolphins started efforts to force repayment of millions of dollars they'd paid Williams. His return this past season was delayed four weeks by a suspension for a past drug violation, and Williams paid 4 weeks salary as a fine for earlier violations.
Williams was aware a fourth failure of the NFL drug policy would result in a lengthy suspension.
Sandy Williams, Ricky's mother, told the Palm Beach Post she would be "shocked" if Ricky was using Majrjuana, that he is traveling in India and that they had not spoken recently. She told the newspaper Ricky might have tested positive for a legal supplement he could be taking.
"I'll bet my life he's not smoking marijuana," she told the Palm Beacb Post Reporter "He's so particular about what he puts in his body now. I would just be shocked. I just don't believe he's smoking weed. "
Williams had a solid year following his return to the Dolphins, but it was rumored the team was considering a trade.
Williams was recently linked to the Denver Broncos, but no deal has been announced.
The Dolphins are no commenting on the report, with spokesman Harvey Greene saying the team never comments on the confidential NFL drug program.
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
