RUN RICKY RUN, AND HE DID - AWAY FROM FOOTBALL

Why did Ricky Williams, the Miami Dolphins' No.1 running back decide to
retire one week before training camp?

First, it was reported Ricky just didn't want to play the game anymore.
Then the social anxiety question came to the front. And the most talked
about and questioned reason is his apparent use of marijuana. Ricky failed
his third drug test, which would've caused him to be suspended for an
entire season. Ricky filed his retirement papers Monday, which would
prevent him from playing this season as well, even if he decided differently.

Upon announcing his retirement, Ricky was quoted that he felt "free."

Feeling free to take off on a worldwide trip to Hawaii, Asia and other
destinations, free to smoke weed, free to take on another career such as
photography or is it free from something else?

One South Florida psychologist, who specializes in treating doctors,
lawyers and NFL players, understands the fan viewpoint of Williams'
decision but shed some light on Williams' thinking. He helps his clients
deal with family issues, anger management and psychological issues that go
along with substance abuse.

"A lot of his complaint is that it is just so rigorous once they're in the
drug testing system in the NFL," the psychologist said. "What that means is
that at anytime someone can show up who doesn't work directly for the NFL,
but somebody they hire, [and make the player] go into a backroom, get naked
and drop urine in a cup."

The NFL substance abuse policy states that "substance abuse is unacceptable
within the NFL, and that it is the responsibility of the parties to deter
and detect substance abuse ... and to offer programs of intervention,
rehabilitation and support to players who have substance abuse problems."

"The feedback that I get from the players is that this a really inhumane
process," said the psychologist. "Their line is, 'criminals, even the worst
ones, don't get treated this way.'"

And what has already been talked to death is how players use a masking
agent to hide the drug use.

"I do believe if they would've said to Ricky we'll give you millions for
your charity you would probably have seen him quit the pot and go out and
play because that's what makes him tick," the doctor said.

It's not about the money for Williams. And it's not like Williams just
wanted to sit home and smoke pot.

Look at what he's done since high school alone. He excelled not just in
football, but baseball, wrestling and track and field. He was even selected
in the eighth round of the 1995 MLB draft as an outfielder by the
Philadelphia Phillies, and spent four years in the Phillies' minor league
system. He also earned academic accolades from the Big 12 Commissioner's
Office at the University of Texas.

So, it's over now and if Ricky never puts on another NFL uniform in a
professional football game again, Dolphins fans just need to remember the
good times he gave them. It wouldn't be such a big deal, if the guy wasn't
loved and admired.

With or without Ricky, the Dolphins are already moving on. As for Ricky,
hopefully fans can forgive him, and continue to support what good he does
for South Florida with his charity work. Recently he began the 'Run Ricky
Run Foundation,' that aims to improve the overall development of children
with a specific emphasis on mentoring and educational opportunities for
at-risk and less fortunate youths.

Ricky retired from football at the peak of his career.

Like Ricky, the band, Phish, is scheduled to perform their final concert
ever on Aug. 15 in Coventry, Vt. They want to quit while they're on top, too.

Not go out like Mike Tyson did over the weekend losing to a no-name
opponent or returning to the game like Michael Jordan and not having the
success he had in the past.