Pubdate: Sat, 12 May 2007
Source: Washington Post (DC)
Copyright: 2007 The Washington Post Company
Contact:  http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/491
Author: Mark Maske, Washington Post Staff Writer
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test)

DOLPHINS' WILLIAMS TESTS POSITIVE FOR DRUGS

Suspended Miami Dolphins tailback Ricky Williams tested positive last 
month for marijuana use, an NFL source said yesterday.

Williams sat out last season and continues to serve a suspension of 
at least a year for violating the league's substance abuse policy. He 
has applied for reinstatement but now that request won't be 
considered by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell before September, said 
the source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the 
confidentiality of the drug-testing program.

In a statement issued last night through his agent, Leigh Steinberg, 
Williams told the Associated Press: "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."

The positive test last month was first reported by ESPN. Williams has 
acknowledged past marijuana use. His one-year suspension imposed in 
April 2006 resulted from his fourth violation of the substance abuse 
policy. Williams played a season in the Canadian Football League and 
reportedly taught yoga in California.

The Dolphins used a third-round draft choice last month on Florida 
State running back Lorenzo Booker and team officials have not 
indicated whether they want Williams back.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman