http://www.palmbeachpost.com/dolphin...otes_0519.html
Brown gets beefy, ready to play larger role
By Greg A. Bedard
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Friday, May 19, 2006
DAVIE — A bulked-up Ronnie Brown said Thursday that his new physique has to do with Ricky Williams being suspended for the season.
"Yeah, I've been working hard in the off-season," said Brown, who added he's close to what he weighed at the end of last season — 235 pounds — though he appears more muscular. "I have that in the back of my mind that I will have to take on the duty of carrying the load a little bit more."
Brown rushed for 907 yards on 207 carries during his rookie season while splitting carries with Williams, with whom Brown said he has not spoken since Williams lost his appeal of a fourth failed drug test.
"That was one of those unfortunate things," Brown said. "I was kind of disappointed in the fact that something like that happened, but at the same time I was excited getting the opportunity to do a few more things."
Williams, who will not be paid during his suspension, is hoping to earn a paycheck playing for the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL this season. According to a source, the Dolphins are reluctant to give Williams their blessing because of the risk of injury, but likely would give permission in the end because of Williams' financial situation.
However, the biggest sticking point concerns the CFL's contract rules. All players are given one-year deals with a club option. The Dolphins will not allow Williams to depart unless they have it in writing that Williams will be released by the Argonauts after one season.
The Argonauts begin their two-week training camp Sunday. Williams is studying holistic medicine in Grass Valley, Calif., while the Dolphins and Argonauts finalize the deal.
Regardless of where Williams ends up, Brown said he doesn't think the Dolphins, who also have Sammy Morris, Gerald Riggs, Kay-Jay Harris and Travis Minor, need to add another back. The team has inquired about the Saints' Michael Bennett.
"I think between the group of us, we can do a good job," Brown said.
Players think Daunte is a 'go': To his teammates, quarterback Daunte Culpepper appears well on his way to starting the season opener Sept. 7 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
"I'm expecting him to be out there when the season opens," said cornerback/safety Renaldo Hill. "You didn't see any limp. He's been looking good."
Culpepper, who had three of the four ligaments in his right knee repaired in November, has been splitting reps with Joey Harrington during the team's off-season practices. Culpepper scrambled for the first time Thursday when no one was open.
"All the coaches were nervous, hoping nobody would touch him," linebacker Channing Crowder said. "I don't want to go home. You touch Culpepper, I'm right back in Atlanta. I'm not going back there so I'm not going to hit him."
Brown gets beefy, ready to play larger role
Brown gets beefy, ready to play larger role
Linear Mode
