Silence and Superstars

Not negative. Not positive. Just, well, nothing.

That has been the sum impact of Ricky Williams on the Toronto sports scene, a neutral result no one would have anticipated.

Williams, don't forget, was a hugely controversial figure when he arrived in early summer on loan from the Miami Dolphins. He'd been huge news wherever he'd played football - the University of Texas, the New Orleans Saints, the Miami Dolphins - and it was assumed that at the very least he would leave an indelible mark on the little old Canadian Football League.

Years from now, it was believed, we would tell our grandchildren that the great American running back actually played in Toronto, just as people were recounting this week how Babe Ruth hit his first home run as a professional right into Lake Ontario.

Moreover, Williams promised to be accessible and to contribute to the community. The latter he may well have done, but very quietly. The former, well, he wasn't talking yesterday for some obscure reason and after a series of long interviews upon his arrival he hasn't had much else to say. Maybe none of us know the proper question to ask.

There have been 57 rushes with the football for 231 yards and seven catches for 58 yards. Once, he has crossed the goal line with the pigskin tucked under his arm. He has yet to rush for 100 yards, but then again, he's been all but invisible since breaking his arm in Regina on July 22nd.

Williams returns this weekend against Calgary with six regular games left - four at home - to make an impression of some kind.

Assuming he's still healthy by then, he'll get at least one playoff game, and possibly even a chance to play in the Grey Cup game.

There's still time for Ricky Williams to make us remember he was ever here.

Comments

[Roberto]

Geez, do you think maybe the broken arm has anything to do with lack of impact?
Or the fact when he was playing that Spergeon Wynn was the quarterback, and he couldn't make a pass longer than 3 feet so it was a little hard run the ball with the linebackers all over him.
Before the season is over, this guy will have a huge impact. You ain't seen nothing yet.