Explosive running back Ronald Williams has thrown his last punch for the Edmonton Eskimos.

Williams, 30, was waived by the Eskimos on Monday for inciting a sideline fracas with teammate Elfrid Payton during the first quarter of Saturday's 20-8 loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

"They're getting rid of me and it has nothing to do with the game itself," said Williams, who wound up released outright by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats last year for being, in the words of head coach Ron Lancaster, "a disruptive influence."

Ronald Williams was waived by the Eskimos on Monday.(CP Photo)
Ronald Williams was waived by the Eskimos on Monday.(CP Photo)

Though the playoffs begin next weekend, under CFL rules, Williams is deemed unavailable to other teams until next season.

Even so, the disgruntled seven-year veteran will still receive his share of the Eskimos' playoff purse and a Grey Cup ring should they go all the way.

"Hopefully, I can get a ring here by default, enjoy the fruits of their labour," Williams said.

Williams allegedly accosted Payton, the CFL sack leader with 16, for failing to pressure Blue Bombers quarterback Khari Jones.

"I'm mature, but I'm going to blow up when I'm provoked," Williams said. "I'm not Dr. Phil.

"In game situations, I'm not a calm guy. I love to compete.

"The thing that happened with Elfrid on the sidelines, I'm sure it had a lot to do with me being gone."

The Eskimos, meanwhile, put a softer spin on Williams' departure.

"There was a lot more than one incident that caused us to go forward the way we did," Eskimos head coach Tom Higgins said. "I was extremely pleased with the opportunity to know Ronald Williams.

"He is an excellent football player, a good running back (who) could be very volatile in the fact that he speaks his mind. He wears his emotions on his sleeve.

"If he has something to say, he doesn't care if it hurts anybody's feelings. Things have happened (and) now we've gotten to the point where we just have to split ways."

Williams was Edmonton's starting tailback coming out of training camp, but tore knee ligaments in Week 4.

In six games, he carried 68 times for 254 rushing yards and five touchdowns, plus caught 13 passes for 144 yards and a TD.

with files from CP Online