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Ranting on Ricky

I'm about to do something that I rarely do and something that I truely hate to do.  However, it must be done, in my opinion.  The "Sportz Assassin" from AOL's Fanhouse has written an article that anyone could easily write.  I say this because it is without any thought behind it.  It's simply ranting and raving about Ricky.  The article is called "Ricky Williams is Officially a Pot Head."  

Like I said, I hate to go after fellow bloggers because it hurts the world of sports blogs as a whole, especially when we are both covering the same team.  But this article just goes to show you how an igonrant person can just go and attack a guy without correct facts and without much thought behind his writing.

Point #1: Incorrect facts.  He says:

The report says that he tested positive for the hippie lettuce again and doctors who've been monitoring him during his 'recovery' are recommending that the NFL should just say no to his recent application to reinstatement.

They aren't recommending the NFL "say no" to the reinstatement.  They are suggesting the NFL push back the decision until September.  Though there's a chance Commissioner Goodell could say "no," it certainly would not make sense for doctors to voice their opinions on whether or not Ricky should be reinstated.

Point #2: Calling Ricky a "pot head."  He writes:

Sorry, but that just shows how much of a pot head he is. I mean, you must play because you owe a ton of money to the Dolphins if you don't. Yet, you are magically banned from the league for a year because you violated the league's substance abuse policy [he could've just missed a test; it's not an outright positive result] and while you are ready to get back in the league's good graces, you test positive for weed.

He's correct in saying Ricky owes Miami a lot of money.  But you can't assume that is the ONLY reason why he wanted to come back and play.  But regardless, who the hell is the "Sportz Assassin" to call Ricky a "pot head"?  That's what I want to know.  None of us have the right to label Ricky anything negative (like a "pot head") because none of us have ever had to walk in his shoes.  The "Sportz Assassin" forgets to point out the fact that Ricky suffers from social anxiety disorder, which is a real disorder and one that none of us can begin to understand unless we also have it.  And if you remember back when Ricky gave his interview to "60 Minutes," he has said that smoking marijuana has helped him better than any prescribed medicine has ever helped him in dealing with his disorder.  So calling somebody a "pot head" without fully understanding why he does what he does is just plain igorant!

Point #3: Ricky doesn't owe us anything.  He writes:

If he wants to be a pot-head, fine. Do your yoga; keep living off the land; grow your beard as much as you want. But stop screwing around with everyone. We all know that the dank is a banned substance in the NFL and if you really want to play you must keep your lips off the joint. C'mon, Ricky!

This is way out of line.  I can't believe the "Sportz Assassin" says Ricky is screwing us!  How is he screwing us?  Ricky Williams doesn't owe me, you, the "Sportz Assassin", or anyone else ANYTHING!!  (With the exception of the money owed to the Fins)  But Ricky Williams is not screwing us.  He doesn't have to answer to us.  More importantly, we should not be holding anything against Ricky because, like I said, we are not owed a damn thing from Ricky!  The only people Ricky needs to answer to are his family members, close friends, and most importantly, himself.  That's it.  Nobody else.  Period.

It's clear that either Ricky's heart isn't in football or his social anxiety disorder just won't allow him to have fun in the spotlight that would be on him if he came back to football.  And you know what...that's fine with me.  If he is happy with his life, who are we to judge him at all.

I, personally, hope that whatever Ricky does with the rest of his life, he's happy doing it.  And when we look back on the legacy of Ricky Williams, we can all look back and say that he was one hell of a running back when he was able to play, but wasn't as happy as he could be while playing.  Therefore, he chose a different, more simple life.  And who are we to judge him?

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That and more...
I agree with you. This whole character assasination that's being done to Ricky is way out of line. Ricky is alledgely smoking pot, not of provoking shootouts (Pacman Jones), not of planning to kill anyone (Rae Carruth), not of starting fights (see Joey Porter), or behaving like a coddled superstar (Michael Vick) or planning some terrorist attack. In the grand scheme of things, it seems what he may have done is very trivial.

The NFL, a league with plenty of thugs (see above examples and/or the Bengals for more) no HgH test, little or no help for retired players with chronic injuries and/or concussions - hasn't exactly demonstrated model behavior.

Ricky Williams owes us nothing. When you think of the money he owes the team, realize that the Dolphins have cut many players and had to pay them because of their contracts (Culpepper will be dealt like this).

Williams won't be on the team, and that's that. Ripping him or saying he's a loser, is out of order. It is his life, live and let be.

by Natalya on May 11, 2007 3:08 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

i love you man, but
Ricky is a straight up POT HEAD.

I don't care if his illness is his excuse for doping. There are tons of people out there with social anxiety disorder (my aunt being one of them) and they live normal healthy lives without the help of mary-jane.

Not only that, did Ricky start smoking the ganga from the womb? It's mighty odd that this problem became a HUGE ordeal when he made it to the nfl (and made all that money).

Don't get me wrong, I dont wish any harm on the guy, but its pretty half ass when all you have to do is stop smoking tree to continue playing football (which he obviously wants to do considering his reinstatement)

www.BucEm.com SBN Bucs Blog

by JScott on May 11, 2007 3:13 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

OK
First of all, you don't know when Ricky started smoking.  So don't try to assume.

Secondly, the man clearly couldn't handle the spotlight with his socialanxiety disorder.  I'm sorry to hear your aunt has it, but that's different.  She isn't under the intense, intense scrutiny that Ricky Williams is under.  Like I said, don't judge the man unless you have walked in his shoes.  It's that simple.  Labeling him as a "pot head" is ignorant and shows a certain maturity level from the person doing the labeling.

by Matty I on May 11, 2007 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

yea
"you don't know when Ricky started smoking" - you honestly think he's been smoking since birth? the guy developed the "HABIT" some where along the road, that much is clear. Whats your argument here, that he smokes occassionally? what?

how is labeling the guy a "Pot Head" ignorant? Here's the definition of a Pot Head (aka Ricky Williams) - someone who smokes marijuana habitually - Princeton.edu. Ricky Williams clearly has a habit (custom, routine, tradition, pattern, tendency, inclination) of smoking pot.

Have you never criticized the Miami Dolphins organization (Head Coach, GM, Owner, etc)? Surely you have, considering the on going debacle that is your quarterback situation.

Let me clarify something. I'm not using "Pot Head" to give a negative connotation to Ricky Williams, its just what he is. He's not any less of a person, its just who he is.  

www.BucEm.com SBN Bucs Blog

by JScott on May 11, 2007 5:46 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

well
First off, the term "pot head" has a negative connotation, whether thats how u mean it or not.

Next, you can't group him in with those who do it for recreation.  The dude said it helps him with his disorder.  Like it or not, he shouldnt be put in the same group as a bunch of people who use weed for fun.  And you can't say he does it routinely because he had been clean for some time now.  If April is his first failed test during his suspension, then it's pretty clear that he probably did it because of the stress he was under about returning to the NFL...stress that stems from a psychological disorder he has.

Lastly, I have criticized the Dolphins organization, including players, coaches, and GMs.  But never on a personal basis like Ricky is going through.  I never attack a person's character the way some have attacked Ricky's and I don't see how you can not feel bad for the guy.

by Matty I on May 11, 2007 6:04 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

phin
"And you can't say he does it routinely because he had been clean for some time now."

the guy got suspended for a YEAR!!!! for drug abuse!! That my friend is a routine drug user, a Pot Head, a habitual user. If Ricky is the only person in the world that benefits from marijuana use do to social anxiety, what does that say?

i guarentee the league would over look his Marijuna test results were he taking prescribed marijuana pills. BUT HE'S NOT!

Whatever though, I'm a Bucs fan and could really careless about Ricky Williams and his drug addiction. Its really sad that he blames an anxiety disorder for his drug use. That's the first step of denial. Also, Ricky deserves his character to be ripped to shreds. He walked out on the team without so much as a phone call. Did you forget that? I dont see how anyone can have sympathy for "The Rick." He's brought all of this upon hisself.

I mean think about it. The guy can stay clean and is willing to stay clean for an entire season, but can't because he's a drug addict. What a waste.

and please don't think I'm trying to belittle you or anything, this is purely a healthy debate!

www.BucEm.com SBN Bucs Blog

by JScott on May 11, 2007 8:43 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

JScott
why are you not following the the definition of a Pot Head - someone who smokes marijuana habitually -

Ricky wasn't tested positiv for smoking marijuana the last 3 years.

 

by holle66 on May 12, 2007 6:28 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

ok
first of all, he wasn't suspended for the year for testing positive for weed....they never did say what it is, but they said it wasn't marijuana.

Second, prescribed marijuana pills????  You do realize that medical marijuana is not legal...yet, at least.  So that wasn't an option.

Thirdly, the reason he retired was because he knew he had failed a drug test and he didn't want to serve the suspension.  So why was bailing the right thing to do?  Because his heart wasn't in the game anymore.  It's no secret he came back to the Dolphins because of the moeny he would have had to pay.  But in reality, he simply didn't love the game.  And I won't be ignorant and blame him for quitting a job that he simply didn't enjoy anymore.  

But hey, some people rip the character of others as a way to feel better about themsevles...

by Matty I on May 12, 2007 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ricky
I feel bad for Ricky in a way. I agree that he doesn't owe us fans anything. They guy busted his ass while he was with the team. And in a sense did us a favor by leaving and exposing the weaknesses of the team and management. I also think its unfair to bash his character simply because he may be a 'pothead'. Like Phinatic said, he has a serious disorder that probably makes it difficult for him to function in society. If weed is the thing that helps him the most, I can't blame him for doing it. Lets be real here for a second. Weed has its benefits and probably should be legal if we aren't being hypocritical. We sit here and smoke cigarrets and drink alcohol, both of which are much more harmful than weed is and we condemn people who smoke weed. If its helping him and he is not hurting other people while doing it, I have no problem with it. He shouldn't be bashed by hypocritical people for doing it either.

by dplunk on May 11, 2007 3:22 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Right on, Phinatic.
"I, personally, hope that whatever Ricky does with the rest of his life, he's happy doing it.  And when we look back on the legacy of Ricky Williams, we can all look back and say that he was one hell of a running back when he was able to play, but wasn't as happy as he could be while playing.  Therefore, he chose a different, more simple life.  And who are we to judge him?"

That final paragraph sums up my thoughts exactly.  A bittersweet ending to a bittersweet career.  Good luck, Ricky.

by CapedCrusader on May 11, 2007 4:57 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

official statement
anyone have an official statement frmo the man himself.. anywhere?

by YatilGinnJr on May 11, 2007 5:18 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Dont make sense....
First of all, he should have failed multiple tests since a) marijuana stays in your system for 30 days and b) He's being tested up to 10 times a month (which we all know they are porbably closer 10 with his re-instatement coming up.
Second, have we ever heard what his last suspension was really for??? All I remember hearing was that it WASN'T marijuana. Never heard what it actually was!!!
Third, why would Ricky go @ 2 yrs without smoking pot then 1 month before getting reinstated start smoking again???? Doesn't make any sense to me.

I smell a witch hunt by the NFL (Goodell)

by Hudman on May 11, 2007 6:12 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

One more thing.....
If he truly did fail a test why just push back his re-instatement an not just suspend him again??? Make sense to you????  Especially the way Goodell has been with players lately???

by Hudman on May 11, 2007 6:16 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Good points
If he was getting tested regularly, something does smell fishy.

by dplunk on May 11, 2007 7:13 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

very good points
I might smell a little fish.

by Matty I on May 11, 2007 8:43 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I like these guys..........
Cam and Mueller have done a good job of letting the bad character/performance people go.  I believe they have done a good job so far, draft and all.  Ricky, to be blantly obvious was the most scrutinized, non-violent, tested player, suspended last year.  He took it all in stride.  Now he has to smoke pot to get ready for the upcoming season?? Cam/Meuller's silence on Ricky seems a little bit suspiscious.... I'm not a Ricky apologigist.  This just seems weird and media-like to me.

by Hudman on May 11, 2007 11:39 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

So you also think....
...that there is something fishy going on beyond what we are being told?

Because, believe it or not, I've read quite a few humber of opinions that think there is more to this than just failing a test for marijuana.

by Matty I on May 12, 2007 2:38 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

official statement....
Williams issued a statement to The Associated Press late Friday:

``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.

``I appreciate all the support I have received from my fans and I assure all others that I am strong, clean, and happily preparing myself for a triumphant return to the NFL.''

I guess what he needs to "iron out" is to get off the depedanance on weed to alleviate his stress disorder. Our potential 3nd round pick for him to STL just went down to about a 6th or 7th.  

by YatilGinnJr on May 12, 2007 9:24 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I think.....
the "source" that leaked this information may have jumped to conclusions!!!

by Hudman on May 12, 2007 3:44 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

If it's true......
maybe Ricky can go be RB's coach for Saban at Alabama  :)))

by Hudman on May 12, 2007 6:41 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

The truth might be.....
that Ricky might be totally clean and only mentally messed-up (you think?). So.....the NFL said to Ricky , "hey lets make sure your mentally prepared for coming back so you don't go back to pot again and its a smooth transition".  Ricky's response.....whatever.
"Source" heard......Ricky and pot.

by Hudman on May 12, 2007 7:20 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

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