The return of Ricky Williams to the NFL could be delayed after it was reported Friday the running back tested positive for marijuana last month.
The Miami Dolphins running back was set to apply for reinstatement to the league in April after serving a one-year drug suspension, but tested positive, a person familiar with the case told the Associated Press.
Ricky Williams rushes against New England in one of his last games in a Miami uniform, in Jan. 2006.
(Getty Images)
Following the positive drug test, clinicians in the substance abuse program advised NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to delay reinstatement until at least September, the person close to the case said.
Williams issued a statement through his agent Leigh Steinberg to The Associated Press on Friday night.
"Due to the recent reports about me failing a drug test, I feel it is appropriate for me to issue this statement. Last month, following a psychological evaluation requested by the NFL, we — the psychiatrist and I — came to the realization that there were a few things I needed to iron out about myself in order to make my return to the NFL as successful as possible.
"I am an honest, God-fearing man who is intensely dedicated to being the best person I can be on and off the football field. There is no need to smear my name or to defame my character for the sake of news. When the time is right, God willing, I will be back on the field scoring touchdowns for whatever team is fortunate enough to believe in me."
Williams' future in Miami was uncertain to begin with. New Dolphins coach Cam Cameron was noncommittal when asked earlier in the year whether there was a place in the team's backfield alongside Ronnie Brown.
St. Louis Rams head coach Scott Linehan, who was the offensive co-ordinator when Williams starred for the Dolphins, said last month he would be interested in Williams as a possible backup for Steven Jackson.
Williams, who turns 30 this month, played in the CFL last season, taking advantage of a loophole as he served out his NFL suspension.
The 1998 Heisman Trophy winner rushed for 526 yards and two touchdowns on 109 carries with the Toronto Argonauts. He missed eight weeks because of a broken forearm and injured Achilles tendon.
Outgoing CFL commissioner Tom Wright introduced a rule last October that would prevent players under suspension in the NFL from signing with a CFL club.
In his NFL career, Williams has carried the ball 1,757 times for 7,097 yards and 47 touchdowns in 82 games for the New Orleans Saints and Dolphins. He has also caught 246 passes for 1,899 yards.
He announced his retirement in 2004 after reportedly failing a third drug test but returned to Miami the next year.
He was drafted fifth overall out of the University of Texas by New Orleans in 1999.
With files from the Associated Press
