Rams would be interested in Williams
(AP) - Ricky Williams, who has applied
for reinstatement in the NFL after a one-year suspension for substance
abuse, could find a home with the St. Louis Rams.
Coach Scott Linehan, the offensive coordinator when Williams played for
the Miami Dolphins in 2005, said Thursday he'd consider adding Williams
to the roster as a backup. The Rams need depth behind Steven Jackson.
"He's proven himself with me," Linehan said. "I know there would be a
certain amount of risk involved based on that, but I would just because
he deserves that based on what he was able to do."
Williams, who will turn 30 in May, played in Canada last year and is
eligible for reinstatement after April 27. Earlier this month Williams'
agent, Leigh Steinberg, sent a letter asking that he be allowed to
return to the Dolphins.
If that request was granted, the Rams would have to work out a trade
with Miami.
Williams, a former Heisman Trophy winner at Texas, rushed for 1,853 and
1,372 yards in 2002 and '03 with the Dolphins before retiring shortly
before training camp in 2004. He returned in 2005 as the backup to
rookie Ronnie Brown, rushing for 743 yards and a 4.4-yard average.
Linehan was impressed with Williams' remorse upon returning.
"He came back and stood in front of teammates who still wanted a piece
of him from the year before," Linehan said. "He basically took all of
the responsibility for what he did and he didn't make any excuses. He
said 'I'm sorry."'
Linehan said he needed to know more about the details of Williams'
latest suspension, the fourth of his career, before going further.
Williams has gained 7,097 yards on 1,757 carries with 47 touchdowns
during his career.
"I would have to look into it a little bit more," he said. "But based on
how he played and the kind of person he was to be around, I would
certainly consider it, and I'd fight for him."
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