Well I now know why Ronald Williams didn't play. Funny thing is that CFL.ca has him as active on the roster. Oh well.
Eskimos release Ronald Williams
Canadian Press
11/4/2002
EDMONTON (CP) - Less than 48 hours after Ronald
Williams threw a barrage of haymakers at fellow
Edmonton Eskimo Elfrid Payton, Williams suffered
a knockout punch of his own.
With Canadian Football League playoffs fast approaching,
the Eskimos released the all-star running back on Monday
morning. Under CFL rules, another team can sign him, but
he can't play again until next season.
Williams, 30, will still receive his share of the Eskimos' playoff money. He will also get a Grey Cup ring if the team manages to win
the league championship without him.
``There was a lot more than one incident that caused us to go forward the way we did,'' said head coach Tom Higgins. ``I was
extremely pleased with the opportunity to know Ronald Williams.
``He is an excellent football player. A good running back. Could be
very volatile in the fact that he speaks his mind. He wears his
emotions on his sleeve. If he has something to say, he doesn't care
if it hurts anybody's feelings.
``Things have happened. Now we've gotten to the point that where
we just have split ways.''
Williams was released outright in the middle of last season by the
Hamilton Tiger-Cats after coach Ron Lancaster labelled him a
``disruptive influence'' in the locker-room.
``They're getting rid of me, and it has nothing to do with the game
itself,'' Williams said on Monday. ``Hopefully, I can get a ring here by
default, enjoy the fruits of their labour.''
The fracas between Williams and Payton broke out on the Eskimos
bench in the first quarter of Saturday's 20-8 loss to the Winnipeg
Blue Bombers.
The dispute started when Williams complained to Payton about the
lack of pressure on Winnipeg quarterback Khari Jones. Williams said Payton attacked him from behind; Payton said he just tried to
talk to the volatile running back.
CBC television cameras picked up Payton trying to dodge punches thrown by Williams.
``I'm mature,'' said Williams, ``but I'm going to blow up when I'm provoked.
``I'm not Dr. Phil. In game situations, I'm not a calm guy. I love to compete. The thing that happened with Elfrid on the sidelines, I'm
sure it had a lot to do with me being gone.''
Williams beat out John Avery and Darren Davis for the starting tailback spot in training camp, but tore knee ligaments in Week 4. By
the time he was ready to return in September, Avery had taken over the starting job.
Williams said he's determined to be back on another CFL roster next season.
``It's just more motivation for me. This sparked a fire, and I'm going to work out extra hard this off-season. I'm not going to let this
talent go to waste.''
