Ricky Williams back in the spotlight, not that he wants to be

by Matty I on Nov 18, 2009 12:09 AM EST in News Comment 57 comments

Does anyone really care if Ricky doesn't talk to the media? I know I don't - as long as he finds ways to scamper into the endzone like he's doing here.

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With Ronnie Brown out for at least Thursday night's game in Carolina - and likely longer - the focal point of the Dolphins' offense will once again be Ricky Williams. And this week, of all weeks, the power running game is especially important for Miami. Why? With short rest and little preparation time, the game plan on Thursday is pretty simple - run, run, and then run some more.

The Panthers are 25th in the league in stopping the run and allow 4.6 yards per carry. The Dolphins, meanwhile, have had to adapt to a very different kind of week. The players were in on Monday to do film work. They then hit the practice field on Tuesday - except it was like a typical Friday practice (shorter and less physical than usual). The team will go through a walkthrough on Wednesday before boarding a plane to Carolina later in the day. With less than ideal preparation time, I expect the Dolphins to get back to the basics - pounding the rock.

The major difference this week is that the spotlight will not be on Ronnie and Ricky. It'll just be on Ricky. Does Williams have the skill and talent to be successful as the workhorse running back at the age of 32 like he did five or six years ago? Probably - but he doesn't seem to be relishing the role.

Or, at least, he isn't relishing the spotlight that he's suddenly been thrust into.

It's been well known that Ricky isn't exactly a fan of the media - or of any kind of attention, for that matter. But on Tuesday, Ricky made it clear how much he doesn't like speaking with the media.

If you haven't read it, Ricky spoke with the media today for the first time in a long time. You can read it here, but it's really not much of a read. In fact, Ricky never even gave an answer longer than a sentence. And the one minute and thirty-six second interview ended very abruptly:

Reporter: "We've heard you say before you prefer not to throw out of the Wildcat...

Ricky: "All right, I'm done!"

I actually received the full audio of this brief interview from a source of mine and let me just say that when you listen to the interview itself, it is far more awkward than the transcript of it even conveys.

So what gives? My initial reaction to reading the transcript of the interview was that Williams wasn't exactly excited about once again being the workhorse of Miami's backfield. After all, it's been widely reported that one of the things that drove Williams to retirement was that he just didn't enjoy the pounding he took week in and week out for years as a lead back. Now with Ronnie out for at least Thursday's game, Ricky will once again be asked to take that pounding.

But then that same source that sent me a copy of the audio from today's interview also gave me some insight into why Williams decided to talk after weeks of abstaining.

There's a rule in the NFL that states a player must make himself available to the media at least twice per week - once after a game and at least once during the week. Williams, however, has not lived up to that expectation this year. I'm told that outside of having a good relationship with one of the Sun-Sentinel's writers - and it's not Omar Kelly - Ricky hasn't spoken with the group of reporters all season.

So why now?

As I'm told, the reporters decided to make sure that Ricky would do what the NFL mandates and speak to the media - even if he doesn't want to. So they decided to tell Dolphins VP of Public Relations Harvey Greene that if Williams continued to avoid speaking with the media, they would notify the NFL Players Association. That would lead to a warning letter from the NFLPA and an eventual fine if Ricky failed to comply.

Clearly, the Dolphins then informed Ricky of the situation - and the fine he would risk receiving if he failed to meet with the media. The Miami Herald confirms that Ricky was informed of the situation. This is likely what led to that uncomfortable minute and a half interview. Ricky's short responses simply seemed like a giant middle finger at all of them for forcing him to speak.

And I say, "Good job, Ricky!"

I understand that the media is just trying to do their jobs. But why can't they just leave the poor guy alone. He's not comfortable speaking with the media - and he never has been. Just let him be. Don't go to his employer as a group and basically tattle tale on the man - making threats and forcing him to do something he doesn't want to do.

If nothing else, at least approach Ricky man to man - not as a group - and just explain to Williams the situation. They all should know about Ricky's issues with dealing with the media, anyways. This shouldn't come as a shock. And I'm sure the way Williams was portrayed by the South Florida media during his "past issues" probably doesn't help endear them to Williams, either - which is perfectly understandable.

Now the media will tell you they were just trying to do their jobs and help us fans get some information about the team we all love. But I think most fans would agree that we don't need Ricky to do any talking during the week. We hardly ever get any good info from player interviews, anyways.

In my opinion, all the talking Ricky needs to do is on the football field. That's all I care about.

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Comments

Right you are, Matty. Right you are.

You too, Ricky. Just run. Your “walk” is your talk!

First

by Tunaflipper on Nov 18, 2009 12:14 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I am still a huge fan of Williams.

Ive said a few times that Rickie seems to be having a better year this year then Brown. Now I know Brown has better numbers, however I believe that is because he is the #1 RB for Miami. I feel Williams is a little more hungry? Maybe not but thats how I see it so far this year.

And damn you flipper.. when I started typing this I was 1st.. lol you stole my minute of fame !

Henne is now our leader. Lets see what the guy can do !
As usual the R&R Xpres is non stop to its next destination !
Driver of the Camarillo, Hartline & Bess fan club bus.. hop on and enjoy the ride!
We need this pass D to STEP THE F UP and do what they get paid to do!

by MainePhinFan on Nov 18, 2009 12:16 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Sorry MainePhin

I even had three typo’s to fix before I pressed play…

First

by Tunaflipper on Nov 18, 2009 12:30 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

lol

by MainePhinFan on Nov 18, 2009 3:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't really understand the obligation to talk to the media.

They can watch the game like the rest of the fans. All they seem to do is ask questions that any idiot with a quarter of a brain can discern. Besides, Ricky has problems with anxiety, why should he be obligated to go so far out of his comfort zone?

Phin-bassador/ Head Weatherman/ Injury Specialist of the Phinsider.

Bender: Who wants dolphin? Leela: Dolphin? But dolphins are intelligent. Bender: Not this one. He blew all his money on instant lottery tickets.

Hey little sister shot gun!

by Farorefox on Nov 18, 2009 12:20 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Media is money.

or is it time?
No, money is evil!
Or is it love?

nevermind…

First

by Tunaflipper on Nov 18, 2009 12:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The media are button pushers...

Adjutant General, Matty Fan Club
64 "Phinsider Fued" Points..!!
"Everybody wants a hero, but they're not willing to wait for one"

by Alpha6 on Nov 18, 2009 11:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The Media Suck !!

Fhwaulk those Media Buffoons !! Ricky !! You just make your kids proud on Thursday night and I’ll be a happy Fan !!

GO DOLPHINS !! RUN RICKY RUN !! THE PANTHERS CAN SUCK MAH ORANGE & AQUA BALLS !!

Lets Kick Butt Dolphins!!

by BurlyDude72 on Nov 18, 2009 12:24 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

The media can be so fricking insensitive!

Williams is self-admittedly shy and went public some years ago about having social anxiety disorder and using Paxil (and weed) to treat it. He stopped using both and has had to deal with the effects of the disorder all on his own, turning instead to spirituality as a crutch (he’s hindu btw). As a huge Ricky Williams fan, I am proud he has found constructive ways of dealing with his disorder and its instances like this where the media can have a very detrimental effect on all the progress he has made. Ricky is strong though and will keep on prevailing. I am sure of it.

by JayGatorPhin on Nov 18, 2009 12:25 AM EST reply actions 1 recs

I completely agree

I hate the media so much, just leave Ricky alone so he can run up and down the Panthers stadium. If it’s not this, it’s trying to get Porter to talk about what happened, or some other issue that doesn’t matter at all. Do what you do best Ricky and leave the media to those that enjoy it!

by Maguss on Nov 18, 2009 12:29 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

The man suffers from Social Anxiety

This is what helped caused his early retirement, leave him alone local reporters!

by FishNFinz on Nov 18, 2009 12:32 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

well that..

and some left handed cigarettes and good brownies.

by captain flitzy on Nov 18, 2009 10:37 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

pot jokes about ricky?

that is sooooo 2004

by FishNFinz on Nov 18, 2009 11:37 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Stories like this make my irrational hate for the media suddenly rational.

Phin-bassador/ Head Weatherman/ Injury Specialist of the Phinsider.

Bender: Who wants dolphin? Leela: Dolphin? But dolphins are intelligent. Bender: Not this one. He blew all his money on instant lottery tickets.

Hey little sister shot gun!

by Farorefox on Nov 18, 2009 12:33 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

ditto

I probably know Judo! How many of you can make the same boast?

by Souwantmyname on Nov 18, 2009 6:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

with such a short week before the game...

why no actual analysis of the game yet? I know we’ll probably get some tomorrow, but I would have preferred to have a preparation of the dolphins game plan and a little prep about the panthers. in general i always like game strategy posts more than posts like these or the joey porter ones which are more gossip/personality based. not trying to nag but i just wanted to voice my opinion and see if others agreed…

other than that, i do agree about ricky and the media

by dolfanstanley on Nov 18, 2009 12:33 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Ricky is beast! no question there. And Hilliard will get more snaps to just about equalize it for Ricky i think. I have a lot of faith in Lex

Anyone want to start talking about the biggest issues on the Carolina Team?
1.They have Julius Peppers with a hand injury who is coming on only for pass rush
2.Johnathan Stewart might be out so it’ll be Williams vs Williams hehe
3.Steve Smith is a good receiver but Davis was able to blanket Moss, so I can see him possibly shutting him down for the most part.
4.They really don’t have a lethal TE and there’s is injured
5. How good is their O-line?

Do our recievers exist? Ginn crawls out the hole, Bess is stumbling but hope is not lost.
Gibril i like you and imma let you finish the season but, Ed Reed is the best safety of all time, of all time!!

by dolfan0918 on Nov 18, 2009 1:32 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

O-line can't be too great considering their QB has thrown 14 interceptions

A stat like that means he must be under constant pressure without a solid o-line to protect him. Another stat about Carolina I thought was interesting is that they are dead last in avg. kickoff return yards allowed (30.6). Hopefully Ginn will capitalize on this!

by JayGatorPhin on Nov 18, 2009 2:11 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

they arent a good team

if you stop the run you win.. at least with us we have our return game and defense that can score points

I probably know Judo! How many of you can make the same boast?

by Souwantmyname on Nov 18, 2009 6:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Ricky is different form most players

Im sure u guys knew this but Ricky used to have an anxiety problem.

Thats part of the reason

Do you guysremember when he used keep his helmet on during Interviews during the Saints days????

and dolfan0918 Vontae played OK(only cuz of that INT) against Moss. And Steve Smith is a totally different WR a lot more quicker and elusive as hell. So they need to especially watch out for slant plays, screens and the quick outs.

Im confident in Miami’s run D and ability to take out Smith with Double Coverage.

And i think Sean Smith can handle Mohummad for the most part.

by soxoff on Nov 18, 2009 1:55 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I swear I didn't read your comment before I posted mine

Wish I had now, though. Those helmet interviews were always strange. Once it was explained that he has severe anxiety disorders, they make mroe sense.

So why would his home team media force him back into that situation?

****Keeper of the Phinsider Goo Cannon****
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by Mosul_DolFan on Nov 18, 2009 7:00 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

id would put Steve Smith on Sean Smith all day if i were Carolina

no way Sean stays with him… Hopefully we separate from our boundary corner strategy and shade vontae and a safety over smith

I probably know Judo! How many of you can make the same boast?

by Souwantmyname on Nov 18, 2009 6:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

run ricky run

You gotta hate to lose more than you want to win

by alwaysafan on Nov 18, 2009 2:39 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Great

So, one of the major issues Ricky has had to deal with in his career is severe anxiety disorder. It’s what led him to do interviews wearing his helmet back in New Orleans. It’s what led him to retire. It’s what led him to pot. So, now the South Florida media, the people that are supposed to report about the home team, are going to screw ith the player that medically cannot handle the publicity. Let’s see how far we can push Ricky before he does something stupid (i.e., pot, retire, etc.).

Good for Ricky. Make the interview uncomfortable and akward. Make it short. He fulfilled his requirement by “being available.”

God, I hate the media sometimes. We all know about Ricky’s anxiety disorder, so you know the media does too, because it’s through them we found out about it. So, why force the guy into a position that he finds uncomfortable and has pushed him to mess up a probable Hall of Fame caliber career already?

by Mosul_DolFan on Nov 18, 2009 6:58 AM EST reply actions 1 recs

I think that the rule of the 2 interviews per week is good 4 everyone...

BUT, if u have a problem, like William’s, then u could get out of it with a medical excuse or something. William should file a complain to the league and the NFLPA about that rule because of personal and medical reason. Dont C the problem with it.

I will see the Dolphins win a SUPER BOWL before i die(22 years and counting)

by Aleta on Nov 18, 2009 8:07 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

ricky is a class act

They can force him to do interviews but they can’t force him to make them good interviews. He went out there and spoke to the media for a minute and left. I’m sure next time they won’t even bother to ask for interviews.

by sdelinois on Nov 18, 2009 8:50 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

its a stupid rule

what about the players who are available for interview and the media doesnt show…

I probably know Judo! How many of you can make the same boast?

by Souwantmyname on Nov 18, 2009 6:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Ok

I think they need to leave him alone. If the man don’t want to talk to the media then leave him be. Go talk to the coach or another player who wants to be interviewed. I just want Ricky to do what he is best at. Run the ball and he has made a remarkable comeback since last year. Let the man play football.

by inyourface6336 on Nov 18, 2009 8:37 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Dolphins should get an exemption

It’s irresponsible of the Dolphins not to ask for an exemption or some sort of modification of this rule for Ricky W, since he has a genuine, diagnosed psychological condition.

by Joel West on Nov 18, 2009 9:26 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Excited to have Ricky Running

Ronnie brought so much to the table and it sucks not having him on the field. Initial thoughts this morning say he could be out the rest of the season.
But I think Ricky has developed him into more of pure north south runner than Ronnie and the running game should not suffer to much.
Ricky obviously will not be as fresh if he plays the whole game, but I hope and suspect Pat White plays a larger role as a trigger man this year.

The Patriots Suck

by k2oconnor on Nov 18, 2009 9:27 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Injury Plagued

Is Ronnie Brown an injury Plagued player? I always hate that term and never really understood how you can label a player that way, but he has only had one healthy season in his career. You can’t help how players land on your ankles or feet, or if another player hits you low to tear your ACL so to me Injury Plagued is a hoax. But with Ronnie due for a new contract it brings up an interesting situation of to sign or not to sign. I hope they do and hope he can get back on the field and stay healthy from here on out, but it brings up a interesting situation.

The Patriots Suck

by k2oconnor on Nov 18, 2009 9:33 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

he's never been the sole back either

and he still gets banged up alot…. Im a magic fan and i just go back to grant hill. When you sign a injury prone player for alot of years it can kill your team. too risky to resign ronnie

I probably know Judo! How many of you can make the same boast?

by Souwantmyname on Nov 18, 2009 6:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Down 2 quality RBs(Brown & Cobbs)

but i think we’ll see some stellar play from Ricky, Lex and hopefully Kory Sheets tomorrow. Lets run, run and run some more. Just hold on to the pigskin…

CP10 and P.Cobbs get well soon
Miami Dolphins 2008 AFC East Divison Champions
"I likem me some UDFAs"

by Phintastic on Nov 18, 2009 9:37 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

BRAVO RunRickyRun

Do your talking on the field!

Just think how stupid the average Jest fan is, and then realize that half of them are even stupider! ( a parody of a George Carlin line)

Attorney General of the Matty I Fan Club
Driver of the draft Brandon Spikes bandwagon

by PhinsTifosi on Nov 18, 2009 10:06 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

MTV Cribz

Ricky might not like the media but that didn’t stop him from being on MTV cribs. Not that I’m trying to get on Ricky, I actually agree with the person who said he is having a better season than Ronnie. He’s super quick on the outside and is having these bursts of big yardage. I ain’t worried about not having brown for a week. Even when the run was shut down we stayed close in games.

by westcoastdolphin on Nov 18, 2009 10:33 AM EST via mobile reply actions 0 recs

What does everyone think of..

the passing game this week? You have to assume that either Pat White is gonna see more snaps in order to run the wildcat, or its gonna be a traditional run/pass offense this week right? I think they find Bess more and more, Henne seems like he is building up his trust in him. Thoughts?

by captain flitzy on Nov 18, 2009 10:38 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I say pound the rock

Carolina is not great at stopping the run, I say Ricky and Lex should pound the rock!

The Patriots Suck

by k2oconnor on Nov 18, 2009 11:00 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I always liked Bess, back to when he was in college, so when I heard he walked on. I was ecstatic, and the numbers he put up just proved why. I think he is finally getting used to getting missles thrown at him, where as CP10 used touch. I can’t wait to see how he develops more through out his career, he is one of the WRs that we have that I hope retires a Phin.

by esco6781 on Nov 18, 2009 11:24 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I admire Ricky Williams

He seems like someone that is not influenced by the peer pressures of society. While everyone else is addicted to money, Pharmaceutical drugs, traditional religions, buffet lines, etc… Ricky rejected American norms and did his own soul searching. I think it’s sad that the media gives him such a hard time, when really deep down there is probably something we could learn from the guy.

on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city

by southtunnel on Nov 18, 2009 10:55 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

That is the very definition of a dick move

We all know Ricky has struggled with SAS, he is a shy person if he doesnt want to talk to the media then leave him alone, dont force his hand.

Current Phinsider Feud Points: 23

T.Lex doesn't want to be fed, he wants to hunt. Can't just suppress sixty five million years of gut instinct.

by Patssuck456 on Nov 18, 2009 11:11 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Question, can we expect a possible R & K express?

I was wondering with the state of running backs in the league we are like one of the few that have two power backs in our back field. Is there any chance we can see a power back (Rick) and a speedster (Kory Sheets) in our backfield?

by esco6781 on Nov 18, 2009 11:13 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Id hate the media also if

I were thrown in a wedding dress and made a mockery of on the cover of SI. Can you imagine how awkward and embarrassing all that crap must have been for him.

by Wade on Nov 18, 2009 11:38 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Has anyone seen the picture of Sarah Palin on the cover of Newsweek...?

Oh my..!

Adjutant General, Matty Fan Club
64 "Phinsider Fued" Points..!!
"Everybody wants a hero, but they're not willing to wait for one"

by Alpha6 on Nov 18, 2009 11:45 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

No politics on the blog.

Phin-bassador/ Head Weatherman/ Injury Specialist of the Phinsider.

Bender: Who wants dolphin? Leela: Dolphin? But dolphins are intelligent. Bender: Not this one. He blew all his money on instant lottery tickets.

Hey little sister shot gun!

by Farorefox on Nov 18, 2009 12:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

... that aint politics...

… that’s hot, hot, hot, hot, hot…

Adjutant General, Matty Fan Club
64 "Phinsider Fued" Points..!!
"Everybody wants a hero, but they're not willing to wait for one"

by Alpha6 on Nov 18, 2009 12:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

+1

Her eye kinda looks jacked though lol

by DaMiamiDolphinz on Nov 18, 2009 12:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

LOL!!!

Adjutant General, Matty Fan Club
64 "Phinsider Fued" Points..!!
"Everybody wants a hero, but they're not willing to wait for one"

by Alpha6 on Nov 18, 2009 1:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

For the life of me, I can't see why players would be fined for avoiding the media?

So what if Ricky doesn’t want to talk to reporters. That should be his prerogative.

There seems to be a serious lack of understanding for how social anxiety works. For those affected it is deadly serious and the source of tremendous discomfort (to say the least). The NFL needs to get with the times.

Besides there are plenty of players that are only too too happy to chat with the media as we well know. So why the big fuss if a few guys don’t wish to?

Now the coach is a different story because he functions as a spokesperson for the team and has insight into strategy, injury status, etc.

by Natalya on Nov 18, 2009 12:29 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

One word answers

Just say maybe, yes and no to every question. The media will eventually leave you alone if there is not anything to gain.

by Sparcells on Nov 18, 2009 1:12 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

FULL AUDIO OF RICKYGATE

I think hes wrong….there is no reason to be an asshole…those are simple questions to answer….your paid millions upon millions….dont forget this team stuck by YOU when YOU went fruit loops.

Overall….who cares? He did what he did….he complied with league rules….they let it go this far….everyone can relax…all that matters is the game.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/sfl-rickyaud11909,0,843112.mp3file

Phinsider Hall of Fame Class of 09' / 2-Time 09' Matty Award Winner

by Rzayo24 on Nov 18, 2009 1:36 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Well

if a coworker of your ratted you out (or threatened to), would you really want to sit there and have a nice extensive conversation with them? I know I sure wouldnt. Obviously he couldnt tell them to go F themselves, so this was the next best thing he could do. Call it petty if you want, but I would have done the same damn thing as he did. He is a professional player….not public speaker.

Official Leader of the "Bring Back Zach Thomas!!" Foundation
On Matty's "Draft Sean Smith Squad" since he declared
Smacking Beck lovers for opening their mouths, since 09'

by Dragon27az on Nov 18, 2009 1:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i think the questions were simple enough to merit his short responses

but a couple of them sounded like he wasn’t even trying lol

"check that...the 29th of Feb. this year.....why is that the record day for hits? Did Matty have the Kim Kardashian sex tape or something?"
-Treat
"yes he did. and Jersquall recut it to look like Marino was boning her."
-Treasure [5 line sig limit reached]

by chrislucas on Nov 18, 2009 1:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

The media FORCE him to do it!

If u r force to do something, how do u think u will do it? I will do it, but dont xpect greatness on it ; )

I will see the Dolphins win a SUPER BOWL before i die(22 years and counting)

by Aleta on Nov 18, 2009 4:07 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

by Souwantmyname on Nov 18, 2009 6:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Ronnie and Ricky

I’ve never been a big fan of Ronnie Brown. He was having a good season, but I’m looking forward to seeing more of Ricky. Don’t be surprised if Ricky has a big big day.

Run Ricky Run :)

John

by joneilthe2 on Nov 19, 2009 9:16 AM EST reply actions 0 recs