NFL Reinstates RB Williams
click to show NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has reinstated Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams after a suspension that lasted 18 months because of Williams' violation of the league's substance abuse policy.
It is unknown if the Dolphins will welcome him back but they will have a two-week roster exemption to make that decision.
Williams can attend team meetings and practice immediately, but won't be eligible to play until Week 12 when the Dolphins play at Pittsburgh on Monday night, Nov. 26.
Williams met last week with league administrators who had raised concerns even though doctors at a Boston-area treament center where Williams spent a good portion of four months were very supportive for his reinstatement, sources said.
The administrators of the substance abuse policy were satisfied with Williams' response to their concerns, sources said, clearing the path for Goodell to reinstate him.
Williams also had written Goodell a personal letter of appeal that accompanied the medical data regarding his treatment since he had a positive test in April, which extended his one-year suspension.
The 30-year-old running back, who has played in only 12 games since the start of the 2004 season, played in the Canadian Football League last season and applied for reinstatement to the NFL on Oct. 1. He tested positive again for marijuana in April, delaying his reinstatement through the first half of this season.
He still has the talent, the question is, does he have the desire, and more importantly, will a GM see him as the final piece to the puzzle? I doubt he'll be playing for Miami ever again, though (and I wouldn't blame him).