Ricky Williams' Retirement
...eammates ...his ex-teammates…his ex-fans. Not even his coach, Dave Wannstedt, had a clue that such an awful idea was brewing inside Williams. He was “shell-shocked”, as he described himself in interviews following the announcement, and maintained that he had no previous knowledge of Williams’ intentions whatsoever. Yes, he was stunned. And angry, too, though he didn't show it, nor would he comment on being angry when he was specifically questioned. But of course he was angry. Who wouldn't be? You don't do this to an owner who has paid you millions and has a contract agreement with you that runs through 2006. You don’t do this to a coaching staff that has staked their entire careers on you. You don’t do this to fans that have showered you with glory and adulation and ultimately have made you an athletic demigod. Most of all, you don't do this to your peers, your teammates. You don't just quit — not retire, but quit — just days before the start of training camp. That Williams no longer wants to play football is immaterial, really. Sure he has that prerogative. Certainly he's not the first athlete to walk away when they were still in their prime. Other players like the great Jim Brown and world renowned Barry Sanders, at just 30 and 31, respectively, did so. Williams, on the other hand, is 27. Walk away if you want to, Ricky, it's just the timing, that’s all. Miami's training camp opened a week after your retirement! I can understand if he, for no reason whatsoever, decided to retire from the sport of football after the season ended, and therefore not affect his team gravely; but when the timing of your decision weighs greatly on so many other lives, then sometimes doin...