Ricky Williams Retires

custom · 07-25-2004, 09:29 AM

He never was "quite right."

Report: Dolphins' Ricky Williams to Retire

Sunday, July 25, 2004
MIAMI - Ricky Williams has told the Miami Dolphins that he's retiring after just five years in the NFL, The Miami Herald reported on its Web site Sunday.

Williams said he was overjoyed by his decision.

"You can't understand how free I feel," Williams told the Herald in a cell phone interview Saturday before boarding a plane in Hawaii and heading to Asia to begin several months of travel.

The 27-year-old running back, who started his career with the New Orleans Saints, said he plans to file his retirement papers with the NFL on Monday or Tuesday.

Williams told Dolphins coach Dave Wannstedt of his decision Friday and said Wannstedt tried to persuade him to reconsider. Miami opens training camp Friday.

The Dolphins acquired Williams from New Orleans for two first-round draft picks in 2002, and he led the NFL in rushing that year.

Phone messages left early Sunday with two Dolphins officials and Williams' agent, Leigh Steinberg, weren't immediately returned.

"I have no comment," Wannstedt told the Herald when asked about Williams' retiring. "Players report Friday. Right now, it's a 10-day dead period. We'll get everybody started on Friday."

Wannstedt acknowledged talking with Williams but declined to give details of their conversation.

Williams said there was no chance he would change his mind.

He said he has already told his mother Sandy, Steinberg, backup running back Travis Minor and friends and family of his decision.

In May, three South Florida newspapers reported that Williams tested positive for marijuana and faced a fine of at least $650,000 for violating the league's substance-abuse policy for a second time since joining the Dolphins.

But his attorney, Gary Ostrow, told The Associated Press: "As far as I'm concerned, there is no violation."

Williams told the Herald his failed marijuana tests had a minor influence on his decision to retire, but was only one of many factors. It didn't cause him to retire, he said, as much as reinforce his reasons for wanting to do so.

Williams' two seasons with the Dolphins have been the best of his career. He set a team record with 1,853 yards rushing in 2002. He followed that with 1,372 yards last season.

PC1 · 07-25-2004, 11:34 AM

Such a talented athelete and still a young man. I'd be curious to know what he plans on doing career wise from here on out?

phatbody · 07-25-2004, 12:22 PM

Not as shocking as Barry Sanders, but damn.

But you know what. As long as it makes him happy, he should do it. He's made more money then most of us will ever see and still has his health. He could have a nice looooong retirement.

Jergo · 07-25-2004, 01:55 PM

Nah, he'll be back.....eventually. But damn, I'm gonna miss using him in Madden 2005...lol.....

phatbody · 07-25-2004, 02:11 PM

I don't know, Madden is due on thr 9th of August. Don't know if that is enough time to edit the game. I'm not sure how that stuff works.

**jminis** · 07-25-2004, 02:18 PM

yeah he's an odd bird for sure but he does have his health and he'll be able to walk normal in his older years unlike a lot of NFL players. I'd probably do the same thing. To hell with retiring when your a cripple.

**Iron Warrior** · 07-25-2004, 03:30 PM

Well, this ain't that shocking to hear. The guy did have a habit of meeting the media with his helmet on LOL. He's had depression issues in the past so maybe it's a temporary thing. I'd be damm happy though if I were in the NFC east, just made New England's job a hell of a lot easier.

BTW, good point on NFL players and their future health jminis, after all, why would you want millions of $$$ if you can't fully enjoy your life ?

sage · 07-25-2004, 05:33 PM

His priority obviously isnt in football. One way ticket to Asia? He isnt retired for good. Wait 2-3 years and he will come back since even the wackiest of people will come back to where the money is......
Sage

DieTrying · 07-25-2004, 06:37 PM

Piece of ****! Just when things were starting to look up for us South Florida fans (signing of Shaq)..the Marlins go on a losing streak and Ricky Williams retires.

If he wants to retire at age 27, whatever, thats his choice. But he should have told management sooner, that way they could have drafted a RB for the future or at least made a trade for somebody better than Travis Minor. Maybe Eddie George would have wanted to come here?? This sucks

VanillaGorilla · 07-25-2004, 07:08 PM

Maybe he just didn't want to play for maimi any more. He'll take they year off then sign with someone else next year.

VanillaGorilla · 07-25-2004, 07:09 PM

He is one weird dude though.

Jergo · 07-25-2004, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phatbody

I don't know, Madden is due on thr 9th of August. Don't know if that is enough time to edit the game. I'm not sure how that stuff works.

It's due out the 9th bro? Uh-oh, look out...my winter laziness is about to begin...lol...

LuckyBoy · 07-25-2004, 08:41 PM

As far as I know they take the rosters from the previous year and apply them to the game and any trade/draft pick done in the off season you have to do yourself. But that would be pretty badass if they were that up-to-date right out of the box.

Jergo · 07-25-2004, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LuckyBoy

As far as I know they take the rosters from the previous year and apply them to the game and any trade/draft pick done in the off season you have to do yourself. But that would be pretty badass if they were that up-to-date right out of the box.

YEah, they should have something to update the game every so often whenever you use the PS2 modem and go online...it could take you to an EA sports update page....that would definately be sweet. Hmm....maybe I'll email them...

Me and some guys down here usually rent out a bar/club and hold a Madden Tournament. Last year I won 200 bucks and that wasn't even first place. We always get a very nice turn-out....we get other guys to post flyers all around town, etc...

oswizzle · 07-25-2004, 10:40 PM

ha ha ha Ricky Williams u pussy,,,,i am glad i didnt draft you for fantasy football this year,,,go smoke some shwag u fake ass Brian Grant

phatbody · 07-26-2004, 06:01 AM

You're absolutely right. He should have at least had the courtesy to inform his management a lot sooner. Maybe he has some resentment against Miami?

Quote:

Originally Posted by DieTrying

Piece of ****! Just when things were starting to look up for us South Florida fans (signing of Shaq)..the Marlins go on a losing streak and Ricky Williams retires.

If he wants to retire at age 27, whatever, thats his choice. But he should have told management sooner, that way they could have drafted a RB for the future or at least made a trade for somebody better than Travis Minor. Maybe Eddie George would have wanted to come here?? This sucks

Brock Landers · 07-26-2004, 11:06 AM

****ing pussy, oh well, at least we South Florida fans have the Hurricanes!!!!!!!!

VanillaGorilla · 07-26-2004, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Maybe he has some resentment against Miami?

No he was just so stoned he forgot to tell them.

**size** · 07-26-2004, 01:52 PM

He is a real strange individual.