Reports Say Williams Might Face League Ban

Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams apparently is in trouble with the NFL again.

The Miami Herald reported on its website Sunday night that Williams faces at least a one-year suspension from the NFL after violating the league’s substance abuse policy for the fourth time.

According to the report, two sources confirmed a report by WSVN-TV that Williams had failed the test, although neither would say the substance he used. Williams had tested positive in the past for marijuana use.

Dolphin spokesman Harvey Greene declined to comment Sunday night.

“Because of the confidential nature of the league’s substance abuse policy, we can’t comment on any aspect of that program,” Greene said.

After surprisingly announcing his retirement during training camp in July 2004, Williams returned to the NFL this past season and rushed for 743 yards in 163 carries and six touchdowns.

Williams missed the first four games of this past season and was fined for the second and third violations of the substance abuse program. Those positive tests reportedly occurred in December 2003 and in the 2004 off-season.

Known for his interesting and complex nature off the field, Williams has rushed for 7,097 yards in six seasons since being picked fifth overall by the New Orleans Saints in 1999.

Williams has reportedly spent much of this off-season in Northern California studying yoga and holistic medicine.

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Former Pittsburgh Steeler running back Jerome Bettis joined NBC as a studio analyst for Sunday night football games.

“I am looking forward to this new opportunity and to still be involved in the game I love,” Bettis said.

Bettis, 34, retired after helping the Steelers beat the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl this month in his hometown of Detroit.

His first game probably will be in Pittsburgh on Thursday, Sept. 7, when the Steelers receive their Super Bowl rings.

He will join Bob Costas and Cris Collinsworth in the studio.

“It will be the proudest night of my life,” Bettis said.

“I will finally get my ring and I will start my new career in television in front of all the Steelers fans.”

Bettis played 13 NFL seasons and ranks fifth in league history with 13,294 rushing yards. The six-time Pro Bowl selection ran for 91 career touchdowns, including nine this season.

He rushed for 43 yards in his final game in the Steelers’ 21-10 Super Bowl victory over Seattle on Feb. 5.

“I was awed by how many people were engrossed in seeing his great career culminate in a championship,” NBC Sports Chairman Dick Ebersol said in a statement.

“He’s the kind of guy that people want to invite into their living rooms every week.”