12/21/24
May 11, 2007
Ricky Williams tests positive for marijuana again: Dolphins running back Ricky Williams tested positive for marijuana in April and will not be allowed to apply for reinstatement to the NFL until September, ESPN.com reported Friday. Williams was suspended last year for violation of the substance abuse policy and was eligible to be reinstated this month, but sources told the website that the league's medical advisors who oversee Williams' rehabilitation program recently notified Commissioner Roger Goodell of the positive test. Williams had failed four drug tests previously.
And who's suprised? C'mon Ricky you just wasted and screwed your future as a great NFL player. Well what was left of it after you screwed your past. Idiot.
posted by TelamarketersBeware at 12:28 PM on May 11, 2007
...will not be allowed to apply for reinstatement to the NFL until September... How many chances is the NFL going to give him?
posted by govtdrone at 12:54 PM on May 11, 2007
But if he was an alcoholic they would send him to rehab? Why is there a double standard on substance abuse issues in the NFL? I think he should sue the shit out of them for discrimination. They knew he had a problem when they hired him and they never took the steps to help him recover. I know a lot of you have a holier than thou opinion of people who use marijuana, but times, they are a changin'...
posted by yay-yo at 12:57 PM on May 11, 2007
Well let's hope that Miami will finally let that stinky fish go. How can any team ever still be interested in that one? The guy just can't stay away from the weed. Just goes to show how some people can't handle money and success. There are plenty of better NFL fish in the sea, and it's way past time to go fishing for them!
posted by robi8259 at 01:06 PM on May 11, 2007
But if he was an alcoholic they would send him to rehab? Why is there a double standard on substance abuse issues in the NFL? Actually it is really quite simple. Alcohol can be possesed and consumed legally. The same can't be said for marijuana. One could say not suspending/not reinstating him for a while would be a double standard if Pacman Jones is being suspended for his actions.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 01:48 PM on May 11, 2007
Well, truth be told, Rickey seems to have made a choice. He knew what the risks were and I think, has been nothing if not consistent with his desires and where he puts football on the scale of important things in his life. However, let it be heard that were this the NBA, NHL or MLB he could smoke as much weed as he wants without jeopardizing his employment. It would seem that the NFL does everything differently. I'm not so sure that this should only be viewed as a 'Ricky fucked up', any more than 'the NFL is fucked'. Point being - they'll have convicted wife beaters in jerseys instead of weed smokers. Of course, weed smokers are generally more passive than wife beaters.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 01:53 PM on May 11, 2007
But if he was an alcoholic they would send him to rehab? Why is there a double standard on substance abuse issues in the NFL? Did you read the story? He is in the league's drug rehab program. The issue isn't that the league won't put him in a program, but that the program (according to Williams' attorney) is inefficient. It is believed that since Williams is not in the NFL, the substance-abuse policy punishments do not apply, so Williams is not automatically suspended for another year. That is really, really weird.
posted by The Crafty Sousepaw at 02:05 PM on May 11, 2007
Who cares. He smokes pot, big deal. how many other players smoke pot and have never been judged??? He is so rich it doesnt matter to him. We are making such a big deal over nothing. Nobody knows what he would of done either. If you know the answer you need to get to vegas and become a professional gambler. Let this man live his life. I dont think drug use it good but people make their own decisions in life. It is obvious that he doesnt care about his professional sports career. Let the man smoke his reefer and dream about what he thinks he could of been. He gets no sympathy from me because I really dont care.
posted by theglove28 at 02:23 PM on May 11, 2007
Why, why, why....Is marijuana that much of a necessity to throw away a promising future in the NFL, what a disappointment. Thats got to be the end of him in the NFL.
posted by dlopez916 at 02:24 PM on May 11, 2007
Why, why, why....Is marijuana that much of a necessity to throw away a promising future in the NFL, You obviously never smoked the "platinum purps".
posted by yay-yo at 02:31 PM on May 11, 2007
Why, why, why....Is marijuana that much of a necessity to throw away a promising future in the NFL, what a disappointment. Why, why, why... Is it okay to collect felonies in the NFL, but smoking a joint renders you a disappointment? How come assaulting someone in a Denny's isn't throwing away a promising future in the NFL? "Well, he's addicted to painkillers, touched a teenager in a hot tub and punched a cop... But thank god he didn't smoke a joint after - otherwise he'd be out this Sunday." Hey, look - I know the rules is the rules and no one is in the dark about them, but that doesn't change the fact that the rules is fucking stupid.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 02:36 PM on May 11, 2007
word.
posted by garfield at 02:40 PM on May 11, 2007
+1, weedy.
posted by tieguy at 03:06 PM on May 11, 2007
The older generations opinion is this whole situation is that He is a Big Boy and he knows the rules and if he doesn't give a sh_t then that's life as Frank us to say. You get out of life what you put into it and if he thinks he is getting something out of it then there is nothing anyone can do for him at this point we can only wish and hope he doesn't end up with a needle in his arm or the front end of someone's car sitting in his lap. Every case is different and anyone has there own demons be it drugs, beer, sex or whatever. The rules were put into place to allow everyone an equal opportunity to compete on a level playing field. Now if that is bullshit then it is bullshit. He had all the talent in the world to play with but nothing but smoke in between the ears. We all know, even me, that there are worst things than smoking pot but pot does screw up your judgement so that you really don't know what is happening to you one moment to the next. In college in the 50-70's it was novcaine in sports to stop the pain now who knows what they use but they do use it. If there were no rules and regulations regarding this area everyone would be on Marijuana/Coke/ who knows what else. Ricky has to learn by his mistakes and it looks like he will be punishing himself for the rest of his life if the drugs don't kill him first.
posted by The Old Man at 03:20 PM on May 11, 2007
I loved his interview on the Dan Patrick show a month or so ago when he said he hasn't smoked in awhile. What is his definition of awhile? Since he put down the bowl or his Bic died? Maybe he's cashed out today? Why not just say, yeah I still smoke. Hell he had to know they'd test him again. Idiot!
posted by timdawg at 03:20 PM on May 11, 2007
I know the rules is the rules and no one is in the dark about them, but that doesn't change the fact that the rules is fucking stupid. Priceless.
posted by Steel_Town at 03:22 PM on May 11, 2007
Mary Jane is ILLEGAL. You want him to sue for discrimination when he is doing something illegal. How many times has Ricky been arrested on marijuana charges? He failed a test before he ever got drafted and they took him anyway. Who's fault is that?
posted by yay-yo at 03:27 PM on May 11, 2007
He failed a test... Who's fault is that? his. It's called personal responsibility.
posted by jerseygirl at 03:47 PM on May 11, 2007
his. It's called personal responsibility. Nice editing. Now put whole sentence back together and answer the question.
posted by yay-yo at 04:02 PM on May 11, 2007
I love Weedy's comment. It just demonstrates how screwed up society's priorities are. When professional leagues start firing convicted violent felons, then I might give them some credibility. Gee obviously Ricky is a ass, but its his life to screw up. I definetly think there is something wrong with someone that can't temporarily give up the weed for many millions of dollars. That seems to make Ricky pretty stupid. The league is stupid to put an offense like smoking pot on their radar, even though I might defend their right to do so. It just seems to me that having smoked pot is not a crime. He has not been charged with a marijuana crime as far as I know, not caught with it in his possession for use or sale. Although using suggests he has been in possesion, mearly testing positive for pot is not a crime. Even possesion in a lot of states is just like a traffic ticket. He just tested positive for having smoked it. IMO if you can smoke pot on your own time, not get arrested, and still perform at a level that makes a team in the NFL want you, you should be able to do so. It doesn't enhance performance and harms no one.
posted by Atheist at 04:04 PM on May 11, 2007
I definetly think there is something wrong with someone that can't temporarily give up the weed for many millions of dollars. I keep getting told (by people who seem to know, either medically or via first-hand accounts) that marijauna isn't addictive. I'm having a very hard time believing that after reading this story.
posted by grum@work at 04:12 PM on May 11, 2007
I keep getting told (by people who seem to know, either medically or via first-hand accounts) that marijauna isn't addictive. I have had a physicians reccomendation to use medical marijuana for over 2 years. Which in CA means that you can posess and use it, legally. Recently, I began a new career search, so I decided to quit using marijuana (probably why I have been posting more on here) and have begun seeking other methods of treatment for my ailments. I can tell you from first-hand experience that it is MILDLY addictive. More mental than phsyical. I have not had any "withdrawls" but I do think about smoking and for the first few days I experienced some stomach and sleeping troubles. It won't make you sell your furniture or prostitute yourself, but if you can get your hands on it, you will use it.
posted by yay-yo at 04:23 PM on May 11, 2007
After reading most of the posts in this line, it is obvious to me that many of you are missing the point. The league does not have a "marijuana" policy, they have a "drug policy" Ricky Williams continues to violate the league's drug policy. I can certainly follow the arguement of weed vs alcohol, but where do you draw the line? The policy is in place to stop illegal drug usage, and all players are well versed on the policy. If we overlook marijauna usage, what is next? Come on, cocaine isn't that bad, people do it all the time. Lastly, for those of you who have jobs, how many of you have drug policies at your place of work? I had to pass a drug test once upon a time, and those in certain jobs in my company (drivers, forklift operators, etc) have to pass random tests periodically. No one seems to be shocked by that...why would it be any different for Ricky?
posted by dviking at 04:29 PM on May 11, 2007
Regarding why there is a double standard between alcohol use and smooking pot, I think that it is because one is legal and the other is not. But, I do agree that Ricky Williams has a problem and that it is a shame to see a great career go ... up in smoke (sorry - had to say it)
posted by the_mook at 04:30 PM on May 11, 2007
Hey, look - I know the rules is the rules and no one is in the dark about them, but that doesn't change the fact that the rules is fucking stupid. posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 2:36 PM CDT on May 11 Right on!
posted by commander cody at 04:43 PM on May 11, 2007
It's too bad Ricky has chosen to travel this road. He would've been a great player.
posted by bavarianmotorworker at 04:44 PM on May 11, 2007
"Nice editing. Now put whole sentence back together and answer the question." OK, I'll take a crack at it: "He failed a test before he ever got drafted and they took him anyway. Who's fault is that?" Well, drafting him was clearly the fault of the Saints. Obviously they saw enough potential in him that they were able to overlook the failed test in the hopes they could get him to abide by the league's drug policy. Now, whose fault is it that he continues to fail the tests? Ricky's, of course. He's clearly made the decision that weed is more important to him than an NFL career, which is his choice to make. I hope it's one he's content to look back on later and believe he made the right one.
posted by mr_crash_davis at 05:17 PM on May 11, 2007
If we overlook marijauna usage, what is next? Come on, cocaine isn't that bad, people do it all the time. And what would be so bad about this? Adults should be able to make their own responsible decisions. If they aren't getting arrested or causing harm to others... The problem begins and ends with the Nations "drug policy". Do we, as adults, really need someone to tell us what we can and cannot put into our bodies? Maybe instead of just saying, "It's bad, it will kill you." They should spend a little of their "drug war" money on some studies that will show exactly what the effects are (negative and positive). Alcohol is just as much if not more of a "mind altering" substance (see any report on drinking and driving).
posted by yay-yo at 05:37 PM on May 11, 2007
He failed a test before he ever got drafted and they took him anyway. Who's fault is that? The same answer applies, yay-yo. It's Ricky Williams' fault. He has no grounds to sue anyone's ass because he's abusing an illegal substance. Personal responsibility. The NFL draft is not compulsory. He had a choice to enter or not enter. His employers' policies did not mesh with his lifestyle, but he accepted the job anyway. By doing so, by agreeing to a contract, he agreed to their terms. It's just like you, me and every other at-will employee. You obey the bosses' set rules or you can walk.
posted by jerseygirl at 05:52 PM on May 11, 2007
I refuse to care about athletes smoking pot unless they start making them pilot the team planes. Williams is breaking a law every time he speeds in his car or gets a movie off BitTorrent. Should the league implement a downloading policy? The NFL makes value judgments about which crimes matter and which crimes don't, and I think drug use -- when it doesn't involve motor vehicles -- belongs in the don't column.
posted by rcade at 05:52 PM on May 11, 2007
What is responsible about cocaine use? I understand the possible medicinal benefits of marijuana, but how can coke do anything but empty your wallet and kill your body in exchange for several hours of euphoria? Seriously, i might be missing something, so clue me in yay-yo. I appreciate your point yay-yo about each person taking responsibility for their actions, but no man is an island. If cocaine use only affected the person using, then fine. However, the fact of the matter is that when someone takes drugs they hurt their family, friends, and community, whether directly or indirectly. The gov't allows for personal freedom but not at the erxpense of other people's safety. Your point on Alcohol is a great example. Maybe the US should be more consistent on their policy, although i doubt moonshine consumption will start soon.
posted by brainofdtrain at 05:54 PM on May 11, 2007
Interestingly, I when I was reading the article, Radiohead's "Just" came into rotation on my computer: You do it to yourself, you do And that's what really hurts Is that you do it to yourself Just you and no one else You do it to yourself You do it to yourself Pretty appropriate song for Rickey's situation.
posted by grum@work at 06:02 PM on May 11, 2007
Grum you like Radiohead? I didn't picture you being so sophisticated musically, with your name being "grum" and all.
posted by brainofdtrain at 06:21 PM on May 11, 2007
but how can coke do anything but empty your wallet and kill your body in exchange for several hours of euphoria? Honestly, I have never tried it. However your comment only applies to an addict. The same would apply to an alcoholic. I was talking about recreational use ("social drinking"). If you have the money to buy it, and the time to do it responsibly... His employers' policies did not mesh with his lifestyle, but he accepted the job anyway. But they chose to hire him anyway, and since they did, they are responsible for getting him help or paying off his contract.
posted by yay-yo at 06:31 PM on May 11, 2007
"Pot does screw up your judgement so that you really don't know what is happening to you one moment to the next."???? "If the drugs don't kill him first."???? Come on, Man! Have you ever smoked weed? I know weed is against the rules/law, but you can't be that ill-informed to think that it compares to alcohol, coke, steroids or heroin... caffeine Maybe! Hell, he made his bed....Like my mother used to say.
posted by bo_fan at 06:33 PM on May 11, 2007
Even the Toronto Argos have grown tired of his act in the CFL although I think in the Argos case, it is that he sucked and this is a good excuse to cut ties without having to say that. He seemed to struggle last year and didn't look like nearly the runner he was on Sundays for the Dolphins.
posted by jc at 06:38 PM on May 11, 2007
Cocaine doesn't make you feel euphoric. Cocaine makes you feel like doing more cocaine.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 07:00 PM on May 11, 2007
/Threadjack/ Apparently, I'm starting for the Jays this Monday. All those in the Toronto area, check your messages - there's an opening at third, too. /Threadjack/
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 07:04 PM on May 11, 2007
How do you fail a marijuana test in these times? There are products, given 4 hours notice, that will let you pass ANY herb test. Parole, job, whatever. Now I don't know about other drugs but how can he or his agent let this happen. Travel the world & you'll see everyone does drugs in some form. In the US folks prefer their tidy prescriptions.
posted by catfish at 07:37 PM on May 11, 2007
But they chose to hire him anyway, and since they did, they are responsible for getting him help or paying off his contract. Oh if only he played in the MLB with guaranteed contracts. Oh well.
posted by jerseygirl at 07:43 PM on May 11, 2007
Even the Toronto Argos have grown tired of his act in the CFL although I think in the Argos case, it is that he sucked and this is a good excuse to cut ties without having to say that. He seemed to struggle last year and didn't look like nearly the runner he was on Sundays for the Dolphins. Teams in the CFL will not sign a player who is under suspension in another league. It would break league bylaws. Aside to Wendy, ooops, Weedy, I can play 2nd base, if they want to shuffle Aaron Hill over to 3rd, I just don't have the arm to play 3rd base.
posted by tommybiden at 07:44 PM on May 11, 2007
tommytrump, The Argos signed him last season when he was suspended by the NFL.
posted by jc at 08:25 PM on May 11, 2007
tommytrump, The Argos signed him last season when he was suspended by the NFL. New season, new league rules my prarie friend.
posted by tommybiden at 08:37 PM on May 11, 2007
Grum you like Radiohead? I didn't picture you being so sophisticated musically, with your name being "grum" and all. This is from the guy called "brainofdtrain"? ;) "grum" is a quick shorthand for "Graham", my actual name. I've had that moniker with my friends for more than 20 years now.
posted by grum@work at 10:11 PM on May 11, 2007
Radiohead? Musically sophisticated? Really?
posted by justgary at 10:41 PM on May 11, 2007
Hey let's let Ricky play football, and while we're at it, let Paris Hilton not have to go to jail for 45 days, even though she got two more tickets after losing her license. After all, they never hurt anyone. Bull! The fact is that rules and laws are meant to abide by for the safety of the general public. My problem is that the NFL is practically enabling Ricky by allowing him so many opportunities to apply for re-instatement.
posted by gtayento at 10:44 PM on May 11, 2007
Apparently, I'm starting for the Jays this Monday. All those in the Toronto area, check your messages - there's an opening at third, too. Will relocate, abandon fan loyalty, and play third for food.
posted by The Crafty Sousepaw at 11:19 PM on May 11, 2007
To: gibbonsnotmonkey@bluejays.com From: jtorre@yankees.com Re: pitching problems Yes, that's worse. Best, Joe p.s. If you could have your pitchers lick the pre-game sandwiches for the you-know-whos, we would appreciate it.
posted by The Crafty Sousepaw at 11:27 PM on May 11, 2007
In my opinion, testing positive for marijuana (in the offseason!!) is such a non-issue that the NFL shouldn't even care. Marijuana is not a performance-enhancing drug; in fact it probably interferes with performance. If the NFL policy is related to the fact that marijuana is illegal, then isn't the policy hypocritical? Why are players not suspended for DUI or domestic violence but have to sit out a whole YEAR if they smoked pot, which in my view is far less serious than the above mentioned transgressions?
posted by TerpFan at 12:45 AM on May 12, 2007
It's just like you, me and every other at-will employee. You obey the bosses' set rules or you can walk. But what if the boss's set rules are wrong or unfair? Employers should only have so much say in the way in the way you live your life, and many people (myself and probably Ricky Williams included) argue that drug testing is way over that line.
posted by fabulon7 at 12:37 PM on May 12, 2007
But what if the boss's set rules are wrong or unfair? I'm starting to feel like the only one who works for a big company around here. If the set rules seem unfair or wrong to you, then don't work there. It's just that simple. That's the definition of being an at-will employee -- you are employed there at your own will, you can leave when you want for whatever reason you want. Similarly, they can drop you whenever they want. An at-will employee does not have a guaranteed contract as far as term length or salary. Sounds like the NFL, huh? Employers should only have so much say in the way in the way you live your life Any private employer has the right to set whatever rules they want. If you agree to work there, you agree to their rules. What you do in your off time can make you a liability on the clock or cause you to miss work. Further, if you're an athlete and engage in activities in your off time that can compromise your health/physicality, you're a still a liability. A lot of sports contracts stipulate that an athlete can't participate in risky endeavors that could compromise their health. Hell, when Aaron Boone blew out his knee playing basketball in 2004, the Yankees cut him because he violated his contract.
posted by jerseygirl at 04:34 PM on May 12, 2007
The point about Ricky being "so rich" I think is uninformed, I was under the impresssion that the only reason Ricky was coming back is if he did not return he would have to give back millions he was given to play, as I understand millions he does not have any more. Anyone out ther have the figures?
posted by rockyxgone at 09:18 PM on May 12, 2007
Any private employer has the right to set whatever rules they want. If you agree to work there, you agree to their rules. I think it's necessary to point out that there are some very specific limitations to the rules private employers set (and thank god for that). An employer can not, for example, forbid an employee from getting pregnant (or getting an abortion for that matter) or an employee's right to practice a certain religion or many other things that would fall under an individual's right to privacy. That may seem fairly obvious but that was such a blanket statement that I felt it needed to be addressed. I'd agree with all the specific examples cited above (Illegal drugs and risky endeavors - Ben Roethlisberger comes to mind even if he wasn't cut).
posted by cjets at 09:22 PM on May 12, 2007
No, private employers do not have the right to set whatever rules they want. Nor should they. They pay you for 40 hours/week of your time. They have the absolute right to govern your behaviour during those 40 hours. But why do they have the right to set rules that govern the rest of your time? Is your employer allowed to fire you because you drive recklessly, drink heavily Saturday nights, like to go bungee jumping on vacation? I hope not, but by your logic, it seems like they should or do have this right, because these are all things that could impact your ability to do your job. If the set rules seem unfair or wrong to you, then don't work there. It's just that simple. No, it's not that simple. Industrial society has a long history of employers trying to force employees into unfair, even hazardous working conditions. And what complicates things here is that we live in a society where you pretty much have to have a job. So it is very necessary that government, labour unions, etc., work to limit what employers have the right to do. Think about this -- if an employer could get away with paying you nearly nothing and forcing you to work 90 hours/week, do you think they would? If not, then why are there so many North American corporations with factories in Central America, Asia, etc.? That's the definition of being an at-will employee -- you are employed there at your own will, you can leave when you want for whatever reason you want. Similarly, they can drop you whenever they want. I'm glad I don't live where you do. If my giant-corporation employer decides to drop me, they have to either provide a lot of documented specifics, or they have to give me severance and allow me to qualify for employment insurance. They can't just drop me whenever they want. And if I think I've been dropped unfairly, I have the right to sue them. An at-will employee does not have a guaranteed contract as far as term length or salary. Sounds like the NFL, huh? It certainly does, and the consensus around here seems to be that NFL's treatment of its players sucks.
posted by fabulon7 at 02:55 PM on May 13, 2007
If my giant-corporation employer decides to drop me, they have to either provide a lot of documented specifics, or they have to give me severance and allow me to qualify for employment insurance. They can't just drop me whenever they want. Layoffs.
posted by jerseygirl at 03:15 PM on May 13, 2007
C'mon - layoffs and employee rights are two very different things. Let's stay in the same arena here.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 06:04 PM on May 13, 2007
I'm not sure what arena we're in now. We're not even on topic of sports anymore.
posted by jerseygirl at 08:20 PM on May 13, 2007
This actually doesn't suprise me on bit. Ricky Williams is in his own little world and just maybe, he really doesn't even want to play in the NFL any longer. He's been given chance after chance and for whatever reason, he rather smoke the sticky stuff than make millions of dollars. I'm not knocking him for doing what he wants to do but if he played in the NFL and made those millions of dollars, after he's done playing he could buy all the weed he wants with those millions. Why not display those gifts and talent that he showed early in his career? The man is still young enough to succeed in the NFL if he were to just show a little willpower and stop smoking until he's done playing the game of football.
posted by BornIcon at 06:47 AM on May 14, 2007
I'm not sure what arena we're in now. We're not even on topic of sports anymore. No shit, the thread is about a black man breaking laws/rules. You didn't actually expect to stay on the topic of sports did you? He's an idiot, gang color wearing, bling sporting, strip club going loser who should be shot by police for "reaching for his waistband". How dare he. There, we're back on topic. Note the post count.
posted by Bishop at 11:29 PM on May 15, 2007
No shit, the thread is about a black man breaking laws/rules.....He's an idiot, gang color wearing, bling sporting, strip club going loser who should be shot by police for "reaching for his waistband". ? Damn shame.
posted by BornIcon at 06:51 AM on May 16, 2007
I am shocked. Come on folks it was just a matter of time. I dont see anyone in the league willing to take a chance on him if he ever is reinstated. Not with the Commish crushing all who oppose him. What a waste of what could have been a great career. Complete waste of talent. I think If he could have had a different brain in his head, he could have shattered records. PUT THAT IN YOUR PIPE AND SMOKE IT RICKY