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In 2002 Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams lead the NFL in rushing with 1,853 yards. Far from a premonition of things to come, it felt like destiny. Then head coach and polish sausage king Mike Ditka handcuffed the Saints by unloading draft picks for Williams who racked up over 1,000 yards in 2000 and 2001 for New Orleans Saints before his move to the Miami Dolphins.
Texans and Houstonians followed the saga closely. It makes sense. This was the story to follow. Williams was a starlet running back at the University of Texas and the Houston Texans didn't exist.
It came as a surprise to many and a roll of the eyes to some in 2004 when Williams retired from the National Football League amid violations of the NFL substance-abuse policy and rumors of unreported violations ahead of training camp. In 2005 he returned only to suffer a subsequent suspension for the entirety of the next season. Four years later he rushed for over 1,000 yards again.
Ah, the ballad of Ricky Williams. Could it be, might it be, is it Milwaukee Bucks center Larry Sanders?
Only time will tell. But don't expect it to be this season.
Larry Sanders is in the process of being bought out by the Milwaukee Bucks. It's the end to a troubled tenure rife with substance abuse, personal issues and a desire to change occupations. Sanders signed a $44 million contract with the Bucks in 2014 and he'll be leaving with part of that in the buy out and there's conflicting reports if Sanders will return to the NBA or leave the NBA.
Sources: Once Larry Sanders buyout is complete with Milwaukee, there's presently no plan for him to sign elsewhere in NBA this season.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) February 18, 2015
Because Larry Sanders was reinstated by NBA, he could sign with another team. However, sources say it's unlikely he'll do so at the moment.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) February 18, 2015
Signs point to taking a healthy break from the NBA.
But it all comes from a solid defensive presence and the 2012-2013 number two in blocks per game at 2.8.
Sanders is eligible to join an NBA team for the playoffs if he signs before March 1. We'll leave it at that.