Star running back Ricky Williams is back at the Miami Dolphins after an 18-month suspension.
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Star running back Ricky Williams is back at the Miami Dolphins after an 18-month suspension.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on Wednesday reinstated Williams from an 18-month suspension for repeated violations of the league's substance abuse policy.
It was uncertain if the Dolphins would allow Williams to return after first-year coach Cam Cameron made it known in May he was not keen on the idea.
But, after meeting Williams on Thursday, Cameron said: "This is a new start for him, and our team is willing to let him do that. He's in our locker room. He's a Miami Dolphin."
Eligible
Williams can begin practicing with the team immediately but will not be eligible to play in a game until November 26 at Pittsburgh.
At 0-9 , the Dolphins are off to their worst start in franchise history. With Ronnie Brown (knee) out for the season, Jesse Chatman has been their featured back in that losing run.
But Cameron said: "Circumstances have changed. However, you still rely on the leadership of your locker room and quality professionals like we have, and you get their input, and that was the major part of the decision."
Williams was suspended for the entire 2006 season after violating the league's substance abuse policy for the fourth time. After again testing positive for marijuana, he was not able to apply for reinstatement until this past September.
Therapy
Williams spent the last five and a half months in Boston undergoing therapy.
"I'm at a place now where it's easier for me to appreciate what it means to be a football player," Williams said.
"Because of that, that's a big reason why I'm here today. I've been working out pretty good for the past month and a half."
Williams, 30, spent the 2006 campaign with the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League. The Argonauts signed Williams to a one-year contract after receiving permission from the Dolphins.
In 14 games for Toronto, Williams rushed for 526 yards, averaging 4.8 yards per carry, and two touchdowns. He also caught 19 passes for 127 yards.
Miami have a two-week roster exemption to decide whether or not to activate Williams.
