DOLPHINS' WILLIAMS TESTS POSITIVE FOR DRUGS

Suspended Miami Dolphins tailback Ricky Williams tested positive last
month for marijuana use, an NFL source said yesterday.

Williams sat out last season and continues to serve a suspension of
at least a year for violating the league's substance abuse policy. He
has applied for reinstatement but now that request won't be
considered by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell before September, said
the source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the
confidentiality of the drug-testing program.

In a statement issued last night through his agent, Leigh Steinberg,
Williams told the Associated Press: "I am an honest, God-fearing man
who is intensely dedicated to being the best person I can be on and
off the football field. There is no need to smear my name or to
defame my character for the sake of news."

The positive test last month was first reported by ESPN. Williams has
acknowledged past marijuana use. His one-year suspension imposed in
April 2006 resulted from his fourth violation of the substance abuse
policy. Williams played a season in the Canadian Football League and
reportedly taught yoga in California.

The Dolphins used a third-round draft choice last month on Florida
State running back Lorenzo Booker and team officials have not
indicated whether they want Williams back.