Can't you just picture it?
The NFL announces that Ricky Williams has been reinstated, and suddenly a delightful tune courtesy of a classic 70s TV sitcom can be heard all through South Florida:
"Welcome back, your dreams were your ticket out.
Welcome back to that same old place that you laughed about.
Well the names have all changed since you hung around,
But those dreams have remained and they're turned around.
Who'd have thought they'd lead ya
Back here where we need ya
Yeah we tease him a lot cause we've got him on the spot,
Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back, welcome back."
What a fitting jingle.
Open up those arms, everybody—it's time to welcome back Ricky Williams.
I've always been an ardent supporter of Ricky—not just as a player, but as a person. (You can read my impassioned defense of Ricky following his most recent suspension here.)
Most people dismiss him as some combination of foolish, selfish, or cowardly.
I would call those people callous and insensitive.
Because social anxiety is a less tangible disorder than, say, painkiller abuse (anyone remember that shining episode of Brett Favre's unsullied career?), critics are quick to jump all over Ricky for the decisions he's made.
Granted, I can't defend the way Ricky abruptly left the Dolphins with no warning, but the decision itself should be free from criticism.
7 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Chris Radez about 1 year ago
Surprised there are no comments on this article yet... if for no other reason than to tell you that it was very well written. Great Job!
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Matt DeNicola about 1 year ago
Nicely done!
Welcome back, indeed. You said it all, and the Dolphins need something to go their way.
As far as Ricky goes, I think most enlightened fans are more than willing to give the guy another shot. The NFL has its rules, he broke them, and served the penalty.
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jon douglas about 1 year ago
Very Nice. I commend your compassion and your awareness as well as you fine writing style. I support Ricky Williams 100%- I hope he can stay clean, create a good, trustworthy core group of close friends and confidants whom he will need in order to recover, and reach out to his Miami Dolphin teammates who appear to be welcoming him "in", not "back" into a brand new future. Ricky, I am not in your shoes, however, believe this, I have spent nights in much worse conditions than a tent in Australia. My addiction took me to California State Prison- and if you continue to live a life of arrogance and pride, rather than one of gratitude and humility, than you might end up where I did too. Jails and Prisons are filled with Pot Smokers, Dealers, Drinkers and yes, a few criminals. Stay clean Ricky- talk about how you are feeling with a Doctor that you can trust- and respect- take med's if you need to- they're saving my life- you have a panic disorder? well, I have bi-polar disorder- and with therapy, support, God (Love) and Medication I am clean and sober, a responsible father to my 5 year old son, a leader in my community, and no longer a victim. I hope you don't have to go where I went, but if you do, I hope you are lucky enough to learn the lesson that I was able to come out with. As long as you are trying to help yourself, and do the right thing, I guarantee you that your life will improve and get better.
If I can help, in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me. To the gentleman who wrote this fantastic blog- Thank You- and God Bless.
Jon Douglas
Azusa, CA
jon.douglas@mac.com
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greg pitsch about 1 year ago
awesome article... love the welcome back, beginning to it. The dolphins would be insane for not putting him on the roster during the last part of the season... Several teams will pick him up during the offseason.. to name a few, Oakland is going to be looking to trade rhodes at the end of the year. The Jets might be able to use him. The Buccaneers would be more than happy to get him, for a decent pick in the draft. The patriots would swoop him, with their new found yankee tactics. and dont forget about Chicago, because cedric benson doesn't look like the answer... and last Green Bay, will favre whine about this superstar this offseason??
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Sam L about 1 year ago
Greg, I agree. Somebody will come forward and give up a draft pick for him, whether it's during the offseason or before the trade deadline of next season.
Of course, I only expect a very low pick in return (which is fair value) because he is subject to indefinite suspension if he even misses a drug test, let alone fails another one.
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Zander Freund about 1 year ago
WELCOME BACK RICKY!
Honestly, who isn't rooting for this guy?
Sure, he broke the rules. Yes, he has fallen fall short of his potential in the league. But he's a great guy who simply likes to get high he uses the pot to cope with his anxiety disorder. It's not as if he's beating up his wife or torturing animals.
I agree with Jon that Ricky needs to stay clean. But what I hope more than anything is that he can ENJOY himself in the NFL once again, whether he fails a drug test or not.
It's so sad to think of the amount of children in America who would give their right arm to play in the NFL and that there's this uber-talented guy Ricky Williams who hated every minute of it. I hope he comes back with a new perspective on things and plays his heart out, and makes an effort to not let the pressure get to him.
That said: here's hoping that his coaches and teammates are sensitive and understanding of his condition and don't isolate him from the sport once again. Ricky's gotta make it a personal priority to stay on track, but the attitude of those around him can largely influence how he feels about playing and his overall productivity.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
his picture says it all. picture his face on a homeless man trying to stay warm over a fire bin. that's where ricky belongs, not in the nfl.
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