Williams (finally) out of drug purgatory

Chirs, Birmingham, AL — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 00:02:32 GMT

Bravo, please repeat this story at least three times.

Williams (finally) out of drug purgatory

-p-, miami — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 00:42:25 GMT

Being from Miami I can appreciate this article and the points it makes. It just dismays me further to hear that our wonderful coach has little interest in letting Ricky play again. With the season we are having and the points listed above one might think a little holiday spirit would be warranted.
Let the guy play already.

Williams (finally) out of drug purgatory

Jasson Hamilton, Little Rock, AR — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 00:45:13 GMT

this is the most true story i have read in a long time. opposing teams should thank Ricky for smoking pot, there is no performance enhancement in that.

Williams (finally) out of drug purgatory

Jasson Hamilton, Little Rock, AR — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 00:45:30 GMT

this is the most true story i have read in a long time. opposing teams should thank Ricky for smoking pot, there is no performance enhancement in that.

Williams (finally) out of drug purgatory

Diego — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 00:50:24 GMT

I've been saying the same thing. Ricky maybe your problem should of been hitter your wife, you'd be richer today.

Williams (finally) out of drug purgatory

Neil Lindsey — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 01:10:32 GMT

Thanks for writing a sensible article on this matter. Given the relatively short careers of NFL players, I am amazed that the league rules allow such draconian punishments for relatively benign offenses.

Williams (finally) out of drug purgatory

M BRAYE, DETROIT, MICHIGAN — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 01:16:57 GMT

HE'S GOING TO DO GREAT NOW THAT HE'S FINALLY BACK IN THE LEAGUE. IF HE CAN JUST FOCUS ON, ON THE FIELD ISSUES HE WILL ONCE AGAIN BE ONE OF THE BEST BACKS IN THE NFL.

Williams (finally) out of drug purgatory

Tom Clift, Riverside, CA — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 01:18:25 GMT

Mike, I agree with you.

Williams (finally) out of drug purgatory

M BRAYE, DETROIT, MICHIGAN — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 01:18:57 GMT

He will once again be one of the best backs in the league.

Williams (finally) out of drug purgatory

CJCoulter, Sacramento, CA — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 01:23:05 GMT

Well said...

Williams (finally) out of drug purgatory

John Gray — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 01:26:15 GMT

I guess our leadership (football @ political) really took the movie "Reefer Madness" to heart. Problem is that it's the establishment that suffers from "Reefer Madness" not those who actually smoke the reefer. But I suppose that if young schoolgirls can get punished for friendly affection in school and 6 year old boys can get arrested for sexual harassment (do 6 year old boys even know what sex is...never mind harassment) then any PC initiative can gain support in this misguided country. Classify these events as milestones in the pussification of the USA.

Williams (finally) out of drug purgatory

Rich Westman, green bay, wi — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 01:26:32 GMT

This is a real shame.

How many other people and their families have been broken because someone got caught smoking pot? This has gone on way to long with still no end in sight. The saddest thing today is that the same people who smoked pot years ago are still supporting the policticans who put their children in jail for doing something they did and got away with.

I hope this changes some day. I would rather have a pot smoker than a alcoholic wife beater, as a neighbor, anyday of the week.

Please stop this useless war. It is only hurting us and our children!!

Sailorman

Williams (finally) out of drug purgatory

Erik, Philly PA — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 01:53:56 GMT

I have a hard time feeling sorry for people with more money than me.

Williams (finally) out of drug purgatory

zac — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 01:57:59 GMT

Absolutely great article the fact that the NFL has villified Williams for smoking pot is ridiculous! It's all based on the fact that this country isn't making any money off Pot Via taxes. They should just legalize it and then tax it. What's worse a drunk or a stoner my bet is the drunk will get in 10 times more trouble then the stoner it's common sense!

Williams (finally) out of drug purgatory

Rich Westman, green bay, wi — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 02:24:01 GMT

Williams (finally) out of drug purgatory

Dean A. Nash, ShenZhen, China — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 03:08:55 GMT

Right on. As a Libertarian and complete abstainer, I concur. What people want to do with their own lives (and bodies) should be up to them. America leads the world in incarcerations and it is because of our unfathomable preoccupation with drugs. I'm actually for draconian punishment for those who steal (finger, hand and then life - and not the 'in prison' kind). But do what you want with your own life and I'll do what I want with mine.

Williams (finally) out of drug purgatory

Koz, Leawood KS — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 14:44:09 GMT

All that comes to mind is Dexter Manley.

Williams (finally) out of drug purgatory

Jim L — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 16:16:22 GMT

While I don't agree with the implication that pot is harmless, I do agree loudly that Rickey got rooked. If they are suspending for pot use, they should also suspend for alcohol use as well... oh wait, how many millions does the league take in from beer?

Williams (finally) out of drug purgatory

GuitarRebel — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 16:17:41 GMT

Gutsy article that earned my respect.

Williams (finally) out of drug purgatory

Bilk, Choctaw, Oklahoma — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 16:35:00 GMT

Great article, good points and great perspective...Well Done Mike C.

Williams (finally) out of drug purgatory

Larry, FT Sill, OK — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 16:45:43 GMT

Absolutely Preposterous, your article is way out of line and off base, he used illegal drugs, marijuana is an illegal drug for everyone in the US, as an officer and a soldier in the US Army I enjoy defending the freedoms this country has, however you don't have the freedom to disobey the law and the law says mrijuana is an illegal substance, I take your article as an insult, Ricky I'm not empathetic or symphatic, the laws of this country apply to you, Accolades to the NFL, however it should have been permanent perhaps the next one will

Williams (finally) out of drug purgatory

Ben, Boston — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 18:00:17 GMT

Excellent article. It's great to see someone in the media take a stand on issue the of marijuana. The policies of the NFL and other leagues and more importnantly the government are absoultely ridiculous and hypocritical. Thank you for shedding more light on this ongoing issue.

Williams (finally) out of drug purgatory

Gary Wright, Walla Walla, Wa — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 18:14:51 GMT

Thank you for an honest article about the ridiculous policies that major league sports have regarding marijuana use. It is NOT a performance enhancing substance, and therefore, should not be punishable. If Ricky Williams likes to burn a little giggle stick in his off time, let him. It's time this country woke up and realized people are going to smoke pot, regardless of the legality, because it makes you feel good! Remember... "drunk drivers kill people, stoned drivers miss their exit".

Williams (finally) out of drug purgatory

Jim Hendricks, Durham, North Carolina — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 18:29:00 GMT

Rickie is suspended for casual use of marijuana while others with much more serious (and repeated) drug use are now in the Hall of Fame?!?!

Williams (finally) out of drug purgatory

Mantonat, Denver, CO — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 18:37:50 GMT

While I agree that marijuana should be decriminalized and that the punishment for testing positive is too severe in the NFL, Ricky must have been smoking some pretty addictive stuff if he couldn't stay away from it even knowing it would cost him probably millions of dollars and a chance at many NFL records. Ricky wasn't punished for smoking weed, he was punished for a ridiculous lack of priorities.

Williams (finally) out of drug purgatory

JPK — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 18:37:52 GMT

Hey enablers - Maybe he could try growing up and realize, "Hmmm..maybe I shouldn't break the rules..repeatedly". You want to play in the NFL? Accept what the NFL decides...

Williams (finally) out of drug purgatory

Big D, Portland, ORYGUN — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 20:05:42 GMT

I don't understand why Rickey Williams doesn't tell the NFL, the government, & the rest of society to go copulate themselves. The sooner he recommits to living his life on his own terms(which has never harmed anyone or anything) the sooner our society will get one more well-deserved slap in the face. Yea, us football fanatics have been deprived but that's what we deserve for doing our part at letting our country become what it has. Tell us all to step off Mr. Williams ! ! !

Williams (finally) out of drug purgatory

Jeff Skull, Tempe AZ — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 20:56:57 GMT

I can't wait to see all the "Maryjewuana is bad" kool-aid drinkers flood this board. And to "Captian America" at Ft. Sill, your post was hilarious. Thanks for the laugh.

Williams (finally) out of drug purgatory

Daveman, Des Moines Iowa — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 21:56:29 GMT

It is important to point out that Celizic isn't saying Ricky is guilt free. He knew the consequences yet smoked his future away. However, this article was dead on and the NFL should really look at who they are hurting or trying to protect. Shawn Merriman can take a drug that makes him play better and still make the Pro Bowl yet Ricky Williams smokes a plant and loses 2 seasons. The hypocrisy between what is deemed "OK" and "Not Ok" is as large as the amount of money the NFL rakes in from alcohol companies. Furthermore, it is nice to see Roger Goddell start to really enforce the personal conduct penalties and get some parity between minor drug offenses and offenses that really hurt people.

Williams (finally) out of drug purgatory

john doe — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 22:17:37 GMT

Hi Mike,
I read your columns all the time. And mostly agree with you and your stances. Without implicating myself, I'd have to say that MJ is no picnic to quit. I found it to be just as addicting as cigarettes. The day I didn't light up my brain was calling out and calling out and it took 3-5 days to say no, after which I'd always be tempted whenever I had the chance to indulge again. And secondly, to say it has NO effect on one's performance is plain hogwash. You become elevated in your performance (or so you imagine) while your high, and then the blood sugar levels plummet, and your in a state of ......unequalibrium, a constant struggle with yourself, why am I dropping things? why am I not able to go out and jog? why am I not interested in getting hit by a 250 lb linebacker? where there only thing to get you back up is another toke. And then the vicious cycle begins. Its a form of addiction pure and simple.
If it didn't play havoc with your blood sugar level.....but it does.
I wonder why you aren't aware of this.

Williams (finally) out of drug purgatory

Dave, Sacramento, CA — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 23:35:09 GMT

Great article, and I agree with alot of it, but the point is this: in addition to just being plain stupid, players like Ricky Williams and Onterreo Smith squander their God-given talent because they lack self discipline. Right or wrong, these guys know the NFL's position on drugs...and yet they still throw it all away because they're too stupid to see the big picture. You wanna smoke out? Fine. Have the intelligence and foresight to wait until your career's over. Then you can smoke it by the bale.

Williams (finally) out of drug purgatory

Marc Patno, Downers Grove, IL — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 23:56:41 GMT

Mike. Were you born an - - - - - - - or have you been working at it too long? A multi-million dollar, pampered athlete is given a code of conduct by his employer (no matter how inane you view those rules), and he breaks them repeatedly. Somehow you consider it a miscarriage of justice that he was suspended for 25 games. Give me a break. Test positive for marijauna in the real world, you don't get to come back to your job. Period.

Williams (finally) out of drug purgatory

Cuj, Richmond, VA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 00:56:52 GMT

On one hand, Ricky got screwed, right? 2 yrs of his career for getting stoned? On the other hand, what he does for a living is to be a world-class athlete and abide by the rules that his boss, the NFL, lays down. And they say you can't get stoned, end of. Ricky, you are making more money in a year then some neighborhoods for god's sake, you couldn't stay off weed? But also, the fact that pot is criminalized in the first place is due to corporate America and politics. Pot didn't use to be illegal. And I don't remember the last time I saw someone high on pot who robbed a liquor store? or a 7-11? Participate in a drive-by shooting? They are too busy vegging out on the couch listening to Dark Side of the Moon. There is most likely a far greater proportion of DWI drivers who were drinking then smoking pot. To make something that is truly recreational in nature and put it on a par with horrendous, addictive subtances such as Heroin and Crack misdirects our energies away from dealing with the addictive, destructive types of drug abuse.

Williams (finally) out of drug purgatory

Trent, Plano, Texas — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 16:42:38 GMT

I agree with all the statement above, Ricky should just play ball for another 5 years and then smoke all the pot he wants. I mean he has at least half of his life to smoke the stuff! And while he is smoking the stuff he can look back on all the great things he did with his life and not fell like a failure. Run the ball like a warrior not a failure "Ricky".

Williams (finally) out of drug purgatory

M.Heoh — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 18:49:51 GMT

Mr. Celizic you are a genius. Thanks for your refreshing commentary.

Williams (finally) out of drug purgatory

Bill Nobile Lynn MA — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 18:52:16 GMT

Off base Mike - sorry Im a fan but you have to deal with the here and now, not the "should be's" of the situation.
Did Ricky Williams KNOW that smoking pot and taking a banned substance was against the rules? Yes. Did he know that it risked his career? Yes. Did he do it in spite of this? Yes. End of discussion. The NFL is a private entity and can create any rules for membership that it wants. They are paying you millions of dollars to play a game and you cant skip getting high for a few years? The guy should have been thrown out permanently. Lets not forget that the suspension was his FOURTH violation. Clearly, the man is an idiot. It doesnt matter what side of the "legalize pot" debate you are on. In the here and now, its illegal AND its against the rules. And it should be. 'nuff said.

Williams (finally) out of drug purgatory

Lex DeNovo, Portland, Ore. — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 03:49:48 GMT

Loved it. Thought it balanced and fair in science and fact. The resources we have committed to this and other such nonsense is shameful. Be you Libertarian or progressive or conservative, the government's time and energy can all be spent in better fashion, IMO. A LOT better fashion...

Williams (finally) out of drug purgatory

Allen, Washington, DC — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 16:06:23 GMT

Very sensible column and commentary about the absurdity of America's war on some drugs.

Williams (finally) out of drug purgatory

Mike, Smithville, TX — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 15:59:12 GMT

I'm shocked that someone would actually speak the truth about the issues. You the man. While I'm not a Miami fan, GO RICKY, Hookem

Williams (finally) out of drug purgatory

Kman — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 18:15:32 GMT

Hey JPK: FEET GO UP !! How do you DO coins?
And to the Ricky puppydog followers:
Always get a kick out of seeing all the libertarians and weed-heads whining and crying about "America's failed and misguided war on drugs, blah-blah-blah". How pathetic. Grow a pair and try applying yourselves to something constructive. The 60's aren't coming back. I pity the poor soul who has to work in a factory while some flunky weedhead is driving a forklift and is putting everyone's life at risk.
Ricky Williams = all time loser !!!

Williams (finally) out of drug purgatory

christiantrainer newburgh, new york — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 06:51:27 GMT

Anyone remember the short lived series on ESPN titled "PLAYMAKERS"? from the NY Times:

You can still rent or purchase the entire season from Blockbuster. I vividly recall how Cuba Gooding's brother, who played a drug using running back, used another players urine, which was injected into his body, to pass a drug test. Maybe Ricky should have watched that episode. Anyway, it is another example of how the BLACK athlete is treated far more worse than the white athlete when penalized (Latrell Sprewell was suspended for the remainder of the year). What is with white plantation bosses stopping an athlete from making a living? (anyone remember Muhammad Ali was stripped for 2 years before the Fraiser fight?) As a black athlete in a recretational sport http://marinecorpfitness.tripod.com, the history speaks for itself - today I proudly cycle in memory of Major Taylor, the first American International shorts champion. Here is a reminder.

February 5, 2004

ESPN's ''Playmakers'' series, which offended the National Football League with its frequently harsh characterization of professional football, was canceled yesterday by the network after one season.

The 11-week dramatic series examined subjects like drugs and sex on the fictional Cougars team without ever mentioning the words ''National Football League.'' Early on, the series prompted Paul Tagliabue, the N.F.L. commissioner, to complain to Michael D. Eisner, the chief executive of the Walt Disney Company, ESPN's parent company. Soon after Tagliabue's call to Eisner, ESPN stopped showing promotional commercials for the series during its Sunday night N.F.L. broadcasts.

ESPN defended its right to show the series and withstood a regular level of criticism from inside the N.F.L. But ultimately, ESPN decided that it no longer wanted to keep enraging the league. So it pulled the plug before any work could begin on a second season of shows.

''We proved that we could succeed in doing a dramatic series,'' Mark Shapiro, the executive vice president of ESPN, said. ''Mission accomplished. It played to men and brought in women. We showed we don't have to be as reliant on games as we have in the past.''

But, Shapiro added: ''It's our opinion that we're not in the business of antagonizing our partner, even though we've done it, and continued to carry it over the N.F.L.'s objections. To bring it back would be rubbing it in our partner's face.''

For the league, ESPN's decision not to renew ''Playmakers'' is a piece of good news in a week when it was embarrassed by the exposure of Janet Jackson's right breast by Justin Timberlake during a duet at the Super Bowl halftime show on Sunday night.

In a statement, the league said, ''It was an ESPN decision and now we can all move on.''

Within the N.F.L., the depiction of ''Playmakers'' ranged from Tagliabue's view that it was a ''gross mischaracterization of our sport'' to the CBS commentator Deion Sanders's view that it accurately depicted the dark side of the N.F.L.

Williams (finally) out of drug purgatory

patrick looney — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 12:07:44 GMT

legalize it ,tax it, set free the people incarcerated for its use- huge set of problems solved.