Ricky officially suspended

Updating a previous article "Ricky too smoky?" February 20, 2006, Miami Dolphins RB Ricky Williams lost his appeal to the NFL and will serve a suspension for the entire 2006 season. This was his fourth violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy. Williams will be eligible for reinstatement for the 2007 season.

When Ricky was at the top of his game, which was for the 2001-03 seasons, he was one of the most devastating runners in recent memory. He had the bulk to run over defenders inside, and the speed to turn the corner and go the distance. He had special athletic ability, only seen very few times in a generation.

Unfortunately, Williams is another case of an athlete who let drugs ruin an otherwise phenomenal sports career. While Ricky might not have been considered with the top running backs in history, he would have likely finished his career much higher than 46th on the career rushing yards list, where he sits now. As it was, Ricky was an enigma of a human being whose bizarre actions and drug use derailed a pro football career.

While he says he'll return for the 2007 season, the Dolphins would be foolish to allow him onto the squad. My thought is that he's probably played his last game in the NFL, and could surface as a publicity tool in the Arena League or some semi-pro outfit. It's been fun, Ricky... but your 15 minutes is up.