Will Ricky Trade the Bong for the Ball?

Ricky Williams is coming back.

At least, that's the plan. Lest we forget, Williams announced his return to the NFL this spring, only to fail yet another drug test -- his fifth violation.

After serving his time, though, Williams has jumped through the necessary hoops and the league has announced his reinstatement.

As I said then and will repeat here, Williams' days as a top-tier NFL running back are behind him. He's over 30 years old, out of football shape, and seemingly out of touch with reality.

But despite all he's got going against him, Williams is returning to just the right franchise at just the right time. At 0-9, the Dolphins are among the worst teams in the NFL, and with leading rusher Ronnie Brown on the sidelines, Miami can't welcome Williams back fast enough.

Aside from the questions of whether he can hit a hole or break a tackle, my biggest curiosity is whether Williams can stay away from the dope. Getting caught once could happen to just about anybody, but failing five separate drug tests means you really like the stuff.

Personally, I'm rooting for the guy. After years of erratic behavior, perhaps he's decided that football is more fulfilling than drugs. But after a game or two with the Dolphins, he may change his mind.

For more on Ricky Williams...
Ricky Williams Reinstated (AP, via Yahoo! Sports)
Zenmeister Returns to NFL (All on the Field)