MIAMI (AP) -Former NFL rushing champion Ricky Williams tested positive again for marijuana last month, delaying his return to the league until at least September, a person familiar with the case said Friday.
Williams sought to end a one-year drug suspension last month when he asked to rejoin the Miami Dolphins. But following the positive drug test, clinicians in the program advised NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to delay reinstatement, the person close to the case said.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of the confidential nature of the testing program.
The Dolphins and the NFL declined comment. Before Williams’ latest setback, new Miami coach Cam Cameron repeatedly declined to say whether he would welcome Williams back.
Leigh Steinberg, Williams’ agent, did not immediately return phone calls seeking comment.
Williams’ latest positive test first was reported by ESPN.com.
Williams, who turns 30 on May 21, was suspended in April 2006 by the NFL after violating the league’s drug policy for the fourth time. He played last year in the Canadian Football League, then taught yoga in California.
Last month, Steinberg quoted Williams as saying his interest in eastern philosophy had overcome his desire for mind-altering substances.
Williams won the 1998 Heisman Trophy at Texas and the 2002 NFL rushing championship with the Dolphins, but he has played only 12 games since 2003. Last season with the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL, he rushed for 526 yards in 109 carries but missed two months with a broken arm.
Ricky Williams tests positive for marijuana
