Source: Williams Appeals Drug Test

Troubled running back Ricky Williams is appealing a positive drug test that could force the Miami Dolphin star to sit out the 2006 season, a person familiar with the case said Monday.

If the positive test result were upheld, it would be Williams’ fourth violation of the NFL’s substance-abuse policy, meaning at least a one-year suspension.

Previous positive tests were for marijuana, which Williams acknowledged using. But the latest test involved a drug other than marijuana, said the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because league policy is to keep test results confidential.

The Miami Herald reported Monday that two sources said Williams failed a test for a substance not publicly known. His latest positive test was first reported Sunday by Denver television station KDVR.

A ruling on the appeal isn’t expected until April. Williams, the 1998 Heisman Trophy winner and 2002 NFL rushing champion, is in India studying yoga and holistic medicine.

“Ricky Williams has been in outstanding behavioral mode for the past six months. No one should jump to any conclusions,” said Williams’ agent, Leigh Steinberg.

The Dolphins and the NFL declined to comment, citing the private nature of the league’s drug program.

Williams retired and sat out the 2004 season. He owes the Dolphins $8.6 million for breaching his contract, and motivated at least partly by the need for a paycheck, he returned last year to play for new Miami Coach Nick Saban.

Before being allowed to return, Williams served a four-game suspension at the start of the season for his third violation of the drug program.

Despite the long layoff and a limited workload, Williams ran for 743 yards and averaged 4.4 per carry while sharing playing time with rookie Ronnie Brown. Williams gained 280 yards in the final two games when Brown was hurt.

Saban and the Dolphins praised Williams’ attitude, work ethic and leadership. Since returning last season, the NFL has required him to undergo drug tests up to 10 times a month.

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The San Diego Chargers are primed to let quarterback Drew Brees test free agency.

General Manager A. J. Smith said the team has declined to designate Brees as its franchise or transition player. The deadline for designating a player with either tag is Thursday.

If the Chargers had slapped either of the tags on Brees, he would be guaranteed nearly $10 million in a one-year salary next season.

That’s too rich for the Chargers, considering Brees was injured in the team’s season finale, tearing cartilage in his throwing shoulder while trying to recover a fumble.

Brees underwent surgery last month and is expected to begin throwing in May. But whether he will be at full strength by the Chargers’ July training camp isn’t known.

Brees and the Chargers are talking about a multiyear pact. But so far, no agreement has been reached, and on March 3, Brees can negotiate with any team.

“Our proposals have not been acceptable at this point and time, but we will continue to talk,” Smith said. “Drew wants a long-term contract, we want him to have a long-term contract. We are working on that and continue to work on it.”

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Bryan Cox was hired as the New York Jets’ assistant defensive line coach, one of the bigger names on the staff of new Coach Eric Mangini. Also hired was Brian Schottenheimer, son of Charger Coach Marty Schottenheimer, as offensive coordinator. Bob Sutton was promoted from linebacker coach to defensive coordinator.... Chicago hired former Pro Bowl cornerback Gill Byrd as defensive quality control coach and promoted Lloyd Lee to defensive assistant.

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NFL calendar

Wednesday-Feb. 28 -- Scouting combine, Indianapolis.

* March 3 -- Veteran free-agency signing period and trading period begins.

* March 26-30 -- NFL annual meeting, Orlando, Fla.

* April 29-30 -- NFL draft.

* May 23-25 -- NFL spring meeting, Denver.