Ricky Williams went on his weekly radio show Monday night, and held nothing back.
The Daily Dolphin has reported that the 33-year old running back went on WQAM-560 and expressed disappointment in the Miami Dolphins season, which ended with a 38-7 loss to the New England Patriots this past Sunday. He said the team was not ready to play the Patriots, and placed a large part of the blame on the coaching style of Tony Sporano.
Williams called out Sporano for his "micromanaging" coaching style, and also said that after consecutive losing seasons, the coach's message had become too "nitpicky" and "repetitive". He also said that he wasn't happy with his role in the team's offense. Williams gained 673 yards on only 159 carries, and two TDs.
With his most scathing remarks, Williams evoked the teachings of former head coach Nick Saban, stating:
"Coach (Nick) Saban had a saying - he said, 'We're worried about mouse manure, when we have elephant s--- all over the place."
He compared Saban's philosophy as being ideal, compared to Sporano's focusing on the smallest mistakes.
Williams was also critical of quarterback Chad Henne and wide receiver Brandon Marshall.
On Henne, when asked the main difference between the Dolphins and the Patriots:
"They have a quarterback."
As for Marshall:
“Being around Brandon a lot – I like the guy, I think the world of him – but as a teammate, sometimes he makes it difficult to like him and support him,” Williams said. “It’s not necessarily what he says, it’s when he says it and the way he says it. But for the most part the things that he says are things that everyone else wants to say, but no one has the courage, or the balls. And some of it is intelligence – they’re smart enough not to say those things, because they don’t want to burn bridges. But when you have $50 million, then you can get away with whatever you want.”
Well then...
Williams is no stranger to controversy himself. This is the same guy who retired at 26 years old, allegedly because he wanted to be able to smoke weed (marijuana) in peace. But Williams has managed to regain some favor with the public since returning to the NFL, even setting an NFL record for the longest span between 1,000 yard seasons (6 years).
Williams departure from football was chronicled recently in ESPN's "30 for 30" documentary series. His documentary, "Run Ricky Run" was one of the most poignant of the series, and for many NFL fans, it was their first time seeing the always reclusive Williams up close and personal. He revealed that he was sexually abused by his father, the very complex relationship that he has with his mother, and even admittedly not being a good father to his children.
And yes, he discusses marijuana.
At the very least, it seems this latest Williams controversy is strictly football-related, and there is nothing to suggest that he has fallen off the wagon. You know, except for the whole going on the radio and giving train of thought unfiltered criticisms of your employer and co-workers thing.
