The Knucklehead of the Day award

Today's winner is NFL and Miami Dolphin Running Back Ricky Williams. Williams gets today's award for the one-year suspension the NFL gave him for violating the league's drug policy.

Enough said. Williams has let down both his teammates and Dolphins fans. He is only concerned about himself and no one else. This suspension and prior acts of his prove it. For that Ricky Williams is today's Knucklehead of the Day.

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The NFL on Tuesday refused to reverse its decision to suspend Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams, putting his controversial career on hold for yet another football season.

Williams, who abruptly retired before the 2004 season, had appealed the league ruling that he failed a drug test in December. However, the NFL affirmed that he had violated the league's substance-abuse program for the fourth time in his career.

He will have to sit out a year before he can apply for reinstatement.

Unlike two years ago — when he walked away from the team, citing dissatisfaction with the pro football lifestyle and the NFL's strict anti-drug rules — Williams vowed Tuesday to return to the Dolphins as soon as he can.

"I'm proud of my association with the National Football League and look forward to returning to the Dolphins in 2007," he said in a statement.

Of the NFL's ruling, he said: "I'm disappointed with the decision, but I respect it."

After serving his punishment, Williams — who served as a backup to rookie Ronnie Brown last season — can apply for permission to play again, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said.

Williams, 28, likely would have to prove through independent testing that he remained clear of drugs during the suspension.

"It's up to him," Aiello said. "If he's not interested in . . . continuing his career, there would be no reason for him" to continue drug testing.

Aiello also noted that players in similar situations who seek counseling can improve their chances for reinstatement.

The NFL, citing the confidentiality of its drug program, would not comment on why Williams' appeal was denied.