Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams apparently is in trouble with the NFL again.
The Miami Herald reported on its web site Sunday night that Williams faces at least a one-year suspension from the NFL after testing positive for drug use a fourth time under the league’s substance abuse policy.
According to the report, two sources confirmed a report by WSVN-TV that Williams had failed the test, although neither would say the substance he used. Williams had tested positive in the past for marijuana use.
After stunning the football world by announcing his retirement during training camp in July 2004, Williams returned to the NFL this past season and rushed for 743 yards and six touchdowns.
Williams missed the first four games of the season and was fined for the second and third violations of the substance abuse program. Those positive tests reportedly occurred in December 2003 and in the 2004 offseason.
Known for his interesting and complex nature off the field, Williams has rushed for 7,097 yards in six seasons since being picked fifth overall by the New Orleans Saints in 1999. The Saints traded eight picks to the Washington Redskins for the right to select the former Heisman Trophy winner.
In 1999, Williams’ professional career also started in odd fashion when his eight-year contract was negotiated by rapper Master P’s agency. The deal contained large incentives but low base salaries, including just $350,000 as a rookie.
Ricky is in India right now…