04/24/24
July 26, 2005
'Regretful' Ricky apologizes to fans, Dolphins : When asked why he decided to return to the NFL, Williams hesitated: "Why? Why? I don't know," he said, prompting snickers. "I've been away doing my own thing, studying a lot of alternate theories about life. To go into that answer - it can't be picked up in a sound byte or easily understood. So the best way I can think of to put it is that I'm back here to work." One word: MONEY.
I think it's great that there will be a vegetarian yoga instructor running back in the NFL. Seriously, how many people want to change the course of their lives, but just keep going because of societal pressure? He's irresponsible and and quirky, but you can't say he's not interesting.
posted by dusted at 12:38 PM on July 26, 2005
Without getting into his head (and that would probably be VERY interesting -- even moreso than John Malkovich), his return seems to have put the Dolphins in another jam: In order to get any return on investment for him, he has to play, and this is going to take carries away from their top pick. Feast or famine for the Fins...
posted by ajaffe at 12:54 PM on July 26, 2005
The Dolphins have made it pretty clear that Ricky is going to be the backup and that Ronnie Brown will be the starter. Hell, Ricky's name wasn't even on the media guide.
posted by lilnemo at 01:27 PM on July 26, 2005
All I can say is, thank God we'll actually have a running game this year to go with our aging defense and second-and-third-string quarterbacks.
posted by The_Black_Hand at 01:32 PM on July 26, 2005
I just might have to draft him.
posted by rainbaby at 02:11 PM on July 26, 2005
I still can't forgive Barry Sanders for retiring on the eve of training camp, I felt he "screwed" the team (& fans) by not giving them the chance to address the lack of a RB in the off season. I assume lots of Fins' fans feel the same! At least Ricky returned, all be it after the team went & got soembody. He may end up on the trading block, or his value may increase, in Miami, if Brown holds out? Anyway it shakes out is good for Miami. Now they only need a QB, a few WR's a defensive overhall, and all will be good!
posted by directpressure at 02:14 PM on July 26, 2005
Um, take a look at the Fins o-line. In the immortal words of Clubber Lang, "Prediction? Pain." Ricky better load up on ganja. He's gonna need it. Plus, enough to share with Ronnie Brown.
posted by dzot at 02:33 PM on July 26, 2005
I'm with you, rainbaby. He will be extremely undervalued.
posted by danostuporstar at 03:12 PM on July 26, 2005
I think it's wonderful that Ricky Williams is back! Not only is it good for the Dolphin's but damn it is a beautiful sight to watch a man who not only looks good but knows how to take it to the end zone! This decision for the dolphins is one I am almost positive that they won't regret. Who cares why he has decided to come back, maybe it is for the money but his exceptional talent out weighs EVERYTHING! Please don't be a hater nation for a man who just wanted to find peace within himself and the earth. Let's get ready for FOOTBALL!
posted by royalgold72 at 03:17 PM on July 26, 2005
The greatest motivator of all is poverty.
posted by smithnyiu at 03:18 PM on July 26, 2005
Welcome, royalgold72! Just so we can eliminate any future confusion. I've been rocking the nickname "goldie" over the last couple weeks. But I'm willing to give it up for the right price.
posted by YukonGold at 03:29 PM on July 26, 2005
If you had waited for 7 more users to join, you might be able to trade your jersey number to a well-off free agent pickup.
posted by yerfatma at 03:31 PM on July 26, 2005
Except his exceptional talent has'nt played in a year. Minus PS2 of course.
posted by volfire at 03:35 PM on July 26, 2005
I'd need a watch from Jacob the Jewler, not Steven Singers for a number like that. Now this one would be untouchable...what a shame.
posted by YukonGold at 03:36 PM on July 26, 2005
his exceptional talent out weighs EVERYTHING! Really? What if he was convicted of, say, manslaughter or drug dealing or, thinking of another prominent baller in the news lately, just an ego the size of Montana?
posted by billsaysthis at 04:07 PM on July 26, 2005
How about the end of the article? He's only DUE 540,000$. Am I now to feel sorry for poor Ricky? What woud you have to do to get 540,000 a year. I don't think there are enough hours in my day. He has'nt even been hit by a line yet. (no pun intended, seriously)
posted by volfire at 04:16 PM on July 26, 2005
He may be only due $540k, but I think financially the real windfall will be not having to pay back the $8.6m signing and related bonuses. One could argue that by returning, the Dolphins might no longer be able to collect if he plays enough games this season, 4-game suspension or no (I haven't seen an article address this). I've always been sympathetic to Ricky- I personally think it's awesome that the guy dropped out of football to live in a tent, do yoga, etc. It says to me, "I'm not just some meathead who's only ever known football, and is terrified to do anything but that."
posted by hincandenza at 05:34 PM on July 26, 2005
So why the comeback?
posted by volfire at 07:48 PM on July 26, 2005
You know, the only problem I still have with all of this is timing. He shouldn't have walked out on the team when he did, and I'd still have issues with him for that. But bailing out to do other stuff when you're young and set for life? Uhhh ... duh.