HIGH HOPES FOR A POTENTIAL ARGO

The Toronto Argonauts have made headlines around the football world by
placing Ricky Williams on their negotiating list -- officially
declaring their interest in having the controversial running back join
the team. We hope the interest is mutual.

Should he decide to ply his trade north of the border, many will
unfairly identify Mr. Williams -- suspended numerous times from the
National Football League for violating its drug policy -- as the
latest in a long line of ne'er-do-wells from the U.S. to seek refuge
in the CFL. But Mr. Williams is a unique case. He is not a violent
criminal, has no history of hard drug use and is not known for being
confrontational. Mr. Williams' only crime is that he apparently enjoys
marijuana.

This habit has made him a poor fit for the NFL, which takes a
ridiculously hard line on recreational drug use. Moreover, his shy,
eccentric personality and bohemian lifestyle have made him unsuited to
the lofty expectations (Mr. Williams is a former first-overall draft
pick) and intense spotlight placed on him south of the border. That's
why, rather than change his habits, he skipped out on the Miami
Dolphins prior to the 2004 season to travel the world, ultimately
winding up living in a tent (and apparently smoking an abundance of
pot) in Australia.

Playing in Toronto, however, would be a different story entirely.
While the money would be only a fraction of what he'd earn in Miami if
he weren't suspended for the 2006 season, Mr. Williams would face
considerably less attention and moralistic tut-tutting. The Argos'
coach, Mike (Pinball) Clemons, is anything but the typical sideline
drill sergeant; instead, he is known for working well with
unconventional personalities. And unlike the NFL, the CFL would likely
turn a blind eye to what Mr. Williams smokes -- a perfectly reasonable
approach, since marijuana is neither particularly dangerous nor
anything remotely like a performance-enhancer.

In return, it would not just be the Argos who would benefit; having
one of the most exciting players in the game would sell tickets in
every city the team played in. As he demonstrated this past season,
Mr. Williams is still perfectly capable of putting on a show when
given the opportunity; we hope he has the chance to do so on Canadian
turf this year.