PINBALL PARRIES WITH THEISMANN

Argo Coach Defends Move To Sign Ricky

Ricky Williams, the second-day Argo, was informed yesterday morning
that he'd been the subject of harsh words from Joe Theismann, the
former Toronto quarterback and NFL broadcaster.

Theismann, who led the Argos to the 1971 Grey Cup game, had
commandeered a couple of radio shows to call Williams, who's playing
with the Argos during a one-season drug suspension from the NFL, "a
disgrace to the game" and worse.

Williams, who has heard similar venom from Theismann before, laughed
his childlike laugh and returned fire.

"Every time (Theismann) says something, here's what happens: He says
a remark about me that's offensive and then when he has to do one of
our games, he comes and apologizes and he says, 'I'm sorry,'" said Williams.

As likeable as Williams remains, this corner has chimed in on the
hypocrisy of his signing. But since we'd like to think we're a little
more open-minded than Theismann, we'll concede that the strongest
counter-argument has come from Michael Clemons, the Argos coach, who
yesterday parried Theismann's words with a quote from former U.S.
president Theodore Roosevelt: "It's not the critic who counts."

"You don't have to agree with someone to respect them. I respect
(Theismann) as a person," said Clemons. "(But) I'm very comfortable
with my decision. I'm very proud as a Toronto Argonaut. And I don't
care if Joe Theismann is standing here or the prime minister ... I'm
not ashamed."

Clemons is not ashamed because he's done his research on Williams. In
the lead-up to the star running back's signing, Clemons heard reports
on Williams from former teammates, who expressed their respect. He
heard of an endorsement from the Miami Dolphins equipment manager,
who called Toronto, it is claimed unsolicited, to offer his two cents
on the decency of Ricky. Nick Saban, the Dolphins coach, chimed in
positively, which meant something since Saban remains nonplussed with
the notion of Williams playing (and risking injury) in Canada.

And then came a meeting.

"His politeness felt genuine," said Clemons. "And as we began to
talk, one of the things that struck me was the level of conversation.
.. We don't need to soft-shoe it. A great running back isn't
necessarily known for engaging conversation."

Doubtless, Williams talks pretty. But what of his fourth and most
recent positive test for a banned substance? Clemons said Williams,
who unsuccessfully appealed the validity of the fourth test (which
reportedly did not detect marijuana) has tested clean in 10 tests since.

And what of Williams's decision to quit the Dolphins a week before
training camp a couple of seasons back? Clemons called it a courageous act.

"We have a tendency to say the team is more important than the
individual. And we don't take that into context," said Clemons. "When
someone has a personal issue that affects who they are, if you're not
a whole person you can't give it to us, anyway.

"If a guy says for any reason, 'This is not what's best for me right
now,' I respect that. The easy thing to do is to just go back and
play. Walking away is a sign of courage."

Clemons, besides, is bent on judging Williams not on his history, but
in the here and now.

"We're not arguing about signing him when it was seven years ago and
Master P was his agent," said Clemons, referring to the player's
doomed dealings with the rapper-cum-Raptor. "We're not there. Leigh
Steinberg is his agent. A pretty credible guy. Warren Moon is
Steinberg's partner. Pretty credible guy. And Nick Saban is
petitioning on his behalf. These people haven't given up on Ricky,
and I'd be a hypocrite to give up on Ricky."

Still, on a day when Theismann cut deep, Clemons concluded with a caveat.

"The NFL could be absolutely right. I didn't say I was going to bet
my house (that Williams will remain clean). That was Keith (Pelley,
the Argos' president)," said the coach. "I'm convinced in the guy,
but I also reserve the right to be wrong. But I really think this guy
has made a change in his life and I think he's a very, very decent
human being. And I hope he continues on for him, not for us."