Theismann Rips Into Williams

[83-Steelers-43]

Ex-Argo Theismann calls Williams 'disgrace to game'ESPN.com news services


Ricky Williams will continue to play professional football with the CFL's Toronto Argonauts while he is suspended for one year by the NFL, and one high-profile ex-Argonaut isn't thrilled by the move.

Former quarterback Joe Theismann, who began his professional career with the Argonauts and later went on to star in the NFL with the Redskins, said he was "embarrassed right now to be a Toronto Argonaut" in an interview with ESPN Radio's Colin Cowherd.

"I don't ever want to be mentioned in the same breath as Ricky Williams as a football player. He's a disgrace to the game. The man doesn't deserve to play football. He should go on with his life and treat his drug addictions or go do whatever he wants to do. He's been suspended from the National Football League on multiple occasions. Doesn't anybody have any class anywhere? For gosh sakes, let the kid go do what he wants to do. He doesn't want to play football," Theismann, who is part of ESPN's Monday Night Football announcing crew, said.

Williams was suspended by the NFL for the entire 2006 season following a fourth positive drug test. But the Dolphins gave him permission to play this year in the CFL, and he signed with Toronto on Sunday.

Theismann, while calling Williams a "good kid" said he believes that the running back has had too many chances.

"We have rules in the National Football League. It's real simple. Don't do drugs and you can play. It's a privilege to be able to play professional football. It's not some rite of passage. He's insulted the Miami Dolphins after they took him back and gave him a chance to play. Now he insults the intelligence of everybody that thinks that doing drugs is OK. To me, it's the wrong message to send to kids. It's the wrong thing to be doing, and the Toronto Argonauts have embarrassed themselves as an organization signing him," Theismann said.

Toronto has won the Grey Cup -- the CFL championship -- 15 times, most recently in 2004. The Argonauts were 11-7 last season.

[83-Steelers-43]

Wow, Theismann made a statement that actually made sense and had substance.

[TheWarDen86]

Originally Posted by 83-Steelers-43

Wow, Theismann made a statement that actually made sense and had substance.

But you're still talking about a guy who changed the pronunciation of his family name to rhyme with that of a college trophy. I think my Dad would rather I smoked pot...or ask me if I already was.

[83-Steelers-43]

Well, what he did with his last name aside, it's refreshing to hear somebody actually speak out against idiots like Ricky Williams instead of trying to make excuses for they're actions.

On that note, by no means am I a Theismann fan.

[Ambridge]

I think what Joe has said is how a lot of NFL fans feel towards players getting repeated chances for drugs and/or stupid behavior.
The league needs to start increasing the severity of the penalties for players that refuse
to "get it" and learn.


IMO a second offense of the league substance abuse policy should garner a permanent ban from the NFL.

[TheWarDen86]

Originally Posted by 83-Steelers-43

Well, what he did with his last name aside, it's refreshing to hear somebody actually speak out against idiots like Ricky Williams instead of trying to make excuses for they're actions.

On that note, by no means am I a Theismann fan.

Me niether. I'm dreading MNF this year. All he does is yap about the QB. "He's not a good QB" or "Those other 10 guys aren't doing enough to help out the QB" or "He should be ejected and his family shot for that hit on the QB" or "when I was a QB....." SHUUUUUUT UUUUUP JOE!!! Makes me want to puke.

[83-Steelers-43]

Originally Posted by Ambridge

IMO a second offense of the league substance abuse policy should garner a permanent ban from the NFL.

I'll second that opinion.

[Petesburgh66]

Originally Posted by 83-Steelers-43

in an interview with ESPN Radio's Colin Cowherd.

What? What a load of BS. The interview was conducted on the morning show of the Fan 590 in Toronto and you can listen to it here on their site under Hot Audio.

http://www.fan590.com/

ESPN = worldwide rip off of taking credit for something they freaking didn't do. Give me a break.

[83-Steelers-43]

Geez..............

I have a feeling I'm going to wake up tomorrow morning, turn on FOX news and see a news alert pertaining to a Canadian male walking into ESPN HQ with a shotgun under each arm screaming "IT WAS ON THE FAN 590 IN TORONTO!!!!"

[Petesburgh66]

Sorry, it bugs me when somebody else gets credit for something they didn't do. Especially, when douchebag (Cowherd) is involved.

ESPN radio is waste of air time.