Ricky Williams: Weak Enough to Play?
I held out as long as I could, which wasn't that long.
I
am throwing myself right on top of the Ricky Williams dogpile. In short
order, the Dolphins might have brought both Ricky Williams back into
the fold and signed defensive behemoth Keith Traylor.
At
lunchtime, I was driving around in my car and I heard the guys on WEEI
in Boston speaking to Greg Bedard from the Palm Beach Post about his
5/21/05 article on Ricky Williams.
Apparently Williams' agent, Leigh Steinberg, told Bedard he is
“absolutely” coming back. In the same article, Bedard mentions Williams
had stated he was still unsure of his return as of last Wednesday in an
online chat.
I
think I held back on posting anything about Ricky in the past few days
as this story has gained steam because I was just hoping it would go
away. At this point, it seems likely the Dolphins will try to bring
Williams back. To see what will likely need to take place to get
Williams back on the field, read John Clayton's article on the topic.
As far as Williams, it appears that last summer's notion of outgrowing the game and coming to some higher level of Maslovian self-actualization was a total sham.
''I
just don't want to be in this business anymore, I was never strong
enough to not play football, but I'm strong enough now. I've considered
everything about this. Everyone has thrown every possible scenario at
me about why I shouldn't do this, but they're in denial. I'm happy with
my decision.''
So, by his statements of last year, are we
now to assume that he is now weaker by going back to the game? Was this
just an elaborate way to avoid drug testing and get clean? Or, more
likely is he starting to realize the sting of a $4,200 per month alimony check?
Whatever
the reason for Williams' return, I can't imagine he will ever be the
dominating runner he once was. Reports say that he is down 25 pounds
from his lowest playing weight and allowing that he will have until
October to be in playing shape gives him extra time to get ready, but a
year away from the game & training, and as much of a detachment as
possible mentally from football, I for one think it will be a long hard
return for him.
