-by Dave Gray

March 8, 2002:
A trade is announced with the New Orleans Saints, sending Ricky Williams to the Miami Dolphins for what turns out to be two number one picks.

February 2, 2003:
After rushing for 1853 yards and 16 touchdowns, Ricky Williams caps off the season by being named MVP of the Pro Bowl, ending any doubt that Miami has finally found a franchise back.

July 24, 2004:
Ricky Williams shocks the team and its fans by announcing his retirement from the NFL without warning, mere weeks before the start of the season.

August 25, 2004:
Several South Florida news sources report that, following the advice of his agent, Williams contacted the organization about a possible return. This comes on the heels of the Dolphins asking for a refund of well over 8 million dollars.

Now what?

There seemed to be a split between those who understood Ricky's desire to leave the game in his prime, and those who thought he was just nuts, but one shared sentiment between both camps was that his timing couldn't have been worse. Now, with news looming of a possible comeback, the Dolphins faithful are faced with another choice. Assuming that Ricky does want to return to this team, we have to ask ourselves, "Do we want him back?"

And again, Dolphins message boards are flooded with threads voiced from those ready to welcome him back with open arms and conversely, those saying goodbye and good riddance. While the taste in my mouth is as bitter as the next fan, I ponder what the motive is to stick it to Ricky.

Is it revenge over the feeling of betrayal?
Is it to send a message?
Is it because we really are better off without him?
...or is it outright stubborness?

It is said that there is no loyalty in the NFL. Veterans are often hung out to dry by their team if they outstay their welcome. It goes both ways. Aside from just over 8 million bucks, Ricky owes the Dolphins nothing. Am I defending Ricky's actions? No; I think that he abandoned his team and his fans. However, I realize that the NFL is a business. The Dolphins are a business. ...and winning is their bottom line. So, if emotions are behind the urge to keep Ricky off the field, wipe away the tears and move forward.

The real question is "Can he help us win?"

I say yes. It can be argued that a player's bad vibe can spread throughout the locker room and destroy the team dynamic from the inside. We've seen it happen with disgruntled superstars before. However, it's not like this team is a well oiled machine in it's current state. Besides, even if there is a disease spreading, I have the remedy.

Coach doesn't get along with QB? -- Winning
Wide Receiver beat up his wife? -- Winning
Ebola virus? -- Winning

It really does cure all.

More importantly, let's face it: While Travis Minor has been an asset to this team as a change of pace back, it's becoming ever so apparant that he is not the type of player for the full time job. He isn't the workhorse back and for a self-proclaimed running-team, that is what we require. Plus, it's not like you can just find a talent like that floating around. Ricky Williams is the only viable back that I've seen play for this team for the last ... 30 years, maybe. ...and I'm not ready to just let that go.

1800+ yards from a Miami running back? Three years ago I wouldn't have believed it. ...and I don't believe it now that we're better off without him.

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The Dolphins Make Me Cry
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