MIAMI, April 25 (UPI) -- Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams lost his appeal for a fourth violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy and will sit out the 2006 season.
Williams was informed Tuesday by the NFL of the decision.
"I'm disappointed with the decision but I respect it," Williams said. "I'm proud of my association with the National Football League and look forward to returning to the Dolphins in 2007."
Williams reportedly failed a drug test for a banned substance that is not marijuana. The first three violations for Williams came after he tested positive for marijuana.
Williams returned to the NFL in 2005 after retiring in July of 2004. He rushed for 743 yards on 168 carries. Williams sat out the first four games of the season and was fined for an extra four weeks.
Williams won the Heisman Trophy in 1998 and captured the NFL rushing title in 2002 when he ran for 1,853 yards.
