Ricky Says: "I'm Clean"

It’s not an outright denial. It’s not an outright confirmation. 1 day after it was reported that Ricky Williams failed his 5th drug test, the Miami Dolphins RB is saying “I’m Clean”.

"“Due to the recent reports about me failing a drug test, I feel it is appropriate for me to issue this statement,” Williams said. “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,” Williams said, “and I assure all others that I am strong, clean, and happily preparing myself for a triumphant return to the NFL.”"

The question becomes, who do you believe? He has not outright said, “I didn’t fail that test”. His comments sound prepared, as though his agent had wrote them for him. He probably did. At least 2 sources, 1 within the ranks of the NFL and 1 close to Ricky Williams have concurred that he did in fact fail an April drug test for Marijuana.

Ricky, under the advice of his medical testing supervisors will not be able to apply for reinstatement until September at which time it appears likely that he will face another 1 year suspension. Those close to the situation believe that will be the case, as this is failed test number 5. After the 4th failed test, a 1 year suspension becomes automatic for the 4th and all subsequent failed tests. Ricky however was on suspension when he failed this test so it is still unclear how both Goodell and the testing supervisors will handle it.

It has also been brought to my attention, that Ricky Williams also may not be able to play in the CFL. The Board of Governors for the CFL passed a rule this past year that no CFL team can sign an NFL player who is serving a suspension. Thanks to Fins4ever1 for the headsup and the link for that information.