Dolphins running back Ricky Williams was smoked by the NFL yesterday, so to speak. The eccentric star lost the appeal of his fourth NFL substance abuse policy violation and will be suspended for at least the entire 2006 season, a league spokesman said Tuesday.

Williams, who tested positive for an unknown substance in December, can't apply for reinstatement until after the entire 2006 season is completed. Despite the devastating news, a not-surprisingly mellow Williams issued a statement through the team saying he is planning another comeback once the suspension has run its course.

"I'm disappointed with the decision, but I respect it," Williams said. "I'm proud of my association with the National Football League and look forward to returning to the Dolphins in 2007."

Williams, who also missed the entire 2004 season after a positive drug test and a decision to smoke herb instead of pile up rushing records, will be 30 by the time he can next take the field. Whether or not he actually does so will hinge upon a couple of factors:

1. Williams' ability to stay in playing shape (questionable).
2. The federal court judgment that Miami holds against Williams that requires he repay his $8.6M signing bonus for breach of contract (significant).

In addition, the former Heisman winner has three children to care for, one of whom requires a monthly child support payment of $4,200. His longtime girlfriend, Kristen Barnes, is also pregnant with Williams' fourth child. Sounds like a good arrangement Ricky's got going.

I believe if someone offered me several million dollars in exchange for not smoking weed, I would be able to hold up my end of the deal. But that's just me. Considering most NFL players retire in their thirties, is it too much to ask of a man to put down the blunt for a couple of seasons, carry the ball a few hundred times, and amass an eight-figure nest egg? Which could actually help him realize his dream of a living in a perpetual drugged-out haze thereafter?

Forget it. At least Ron Mexico never jeopardized his earning potential with his off-the-field shenanigans. Good riddance, Ricky.

 
Shows what Troy Aikman knows.

After the former Dallas quarterback stated his belief that Brett Favre would retire, sources are reporting that our favorite gun slinger will return for a final season in Green Bay. General Manager Ted Thompson is pleased with the decision:

"The Green Bay Packers are very pleased that Brett has come to this decision, and look forward to a successful 2006 season," he said.

But will he going back to an improved team? It's unlikely. Javon Walker has asked to be traded and there are glaring holes everywhere on defense. Fantasy owners in leagues where interceptions count negatively may wish to avoid Favre and his 29 picks from a year ago.

Of course, Ahman Green has chosen to stick around. But he's really old.

Ron Mexico appears to be dead. The supposed alias that Michael Vick used when seeking treatment for a sexually transmitted disease can be put to rest now that a lawsuit stemming from a woman who claimed the star QB infected her has been settled.

What does this have to do with fantasy football? Vick was a disappointment in 2005, barely throwing for 200 yards a game. He had to have been distracted by the pending legal troubles. With division rival Carolina fostering its lineup, however, Vick should be focused on this season.

The Saints also traded for Drew Brees, instantly improving their chances of overtaking Atlanta in the NFC South. Fans of the Falcons should rejoice over the news that Vick won't be blowing any more games due to thoughts of who has been blowing him after them.

Now that the 49ers possess a pair of first round picks in this year's NFL Draft, could they be planning to move up? San Francisco acquired Denver's 22nd selection in exchange for picks in the second and third round.

Rumors are swirling that the Niners will choose another quarterback with small hands. Just kidding. But they do now have an intriguing offer for Houston. Could the Texans be tempted to collect multiple first round selections and forfeit Reggie Bush to San Francisco?

It's unlikely. Whichever back field Bush does line up in - tune in April 29 to find out - expect a major impact during his initial season. If your fantasy league rewards plays over 40 yards, Bush could be worthy of a pick within the first three rounds.

So, which Peerless Price will Buffalo be getting over the next four years? Now that the Bills have signed the wide out again, they have to be wondering if they'll receive the player that accounted for nine touchdowns and over 1,200 yards in 2002; or the one that completely sucked during subsequent stints in Atlanta and Dallas.

With Eric Moulds in Houston, a spot opened up in Buffalo. The expectations for Price, however, won't be as high as they were with the Falcons. Expect him to compete for the second receiver slot behind possible fantasy sleeper, Lee Evans.

"Peerless has shown what he can do," Willis McGee said. "It's just a matter of getting refocused and rekindle his career by showing he can do it. He hasn't lost a step."

Or a cool name. Even D'Brickashaw Ferguson is jealous.

Of all the signs that you're close to being released, not being allowed into your team's training complex would rank along the top of the list. This is the obstacle that Tennessee quarterback Steve McNair recently ran into.

Along with Peyton Manning, McNair was the league's co-MVP in 2003. But that wasn't enough to permit entrance into the Titans' work out building for the 11-year veteran. The team's general counsel told McNair's agent they don't want him attending any offseason conditioning programs until his contract is reworked.

Doesn't exactly sound like the way you treat a player you'd like to bring back. So, if McNair is released, where might he end up? The Ravens are looking for a QB, but Kerry Collins is a more likely choice to be reunited with Jim Fassel in Baltimore. There's always Detroit. The Lions seems to be holding open auditions for their starting position.

As for Tennessee, look for the club to select a quarterback in this month's NFL Draft. Bringing in Matt Leinart to work with Norm Chow almost makes too much sense at this point. Plus, you never know, maybe he'll bring Nick Lachey with him.

Fans, meanwhile, will soon start clammoring for the first-round bust to be swimming with the fishes. After Detroit brought in six dozen quarterbacks to replace Joey Harrington, the Dolphins have decided that he’s still worth a two-year contract.

Know where this is headed, Miami fans? If Daunte Culpepper isn’t ready to go to begin the season, the team will take on the defending Super Bowl champions - on prime time television - with Harrington behind center. Is it too early to lay money on Pittsburgh?

The former Oregon Ducks’ star was a major let down during his time with the Lions. Although the club had inexplicably announced Harrington would remain the starter a few weeks ago, that decision was quickly reversed. Now Miami followers have to be asking themselves a simple question:

Was Ryan Leaf unavailable?

The wide receiver derby continues. Eric Moulds was the latest to change teams … until Nate Burleson signed with the Seahawks. Originally from the Emerald City, Burelson signed a seven-year contract that could be worth as much as $49 million.

The signing could be considered pay back for Seattle. After Minnesota nabbed star lineman Steve Hutchinson in free agency, the Seahawks locked up the player that was supposed to have taken over for Randy Moss last season. Burleson was a let down, however. Many fantasy teams that took a risk on him in an early round regretted the decision soon after.

The addition of Burleson can only increase the value of Matt Hasselback on your fantasy squad. The signal caller could be one of the top five quarterbacks taken in your draft.