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Comments (0) By Tim Hammill Thursday, Oct 20 2005

Ricky gets to play

The Kansas City Chiefs face the Joint Chief -- Ricky Williams.

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SUN 10/23 In case you missed the most entertaining story of last football season, let us recap: Miami Dolphins' running back Ricky Williams did what so many hippie stoners have done before him — quit his job to smoke more marijuana. Unlike the average hippie stoner, Williams was not making minimum wage manning the counter at Starbucks. No, Ricky was pulling in a fat check working one day a week. Even the biggest ganja fanatics would have a hard time walking away from that gig. Just like the Dolphins' star running back, the team's 2004-05 season was up in smoke. With the focal point of their offense leaving football to explore other options like becoming a certified yoga instructor and growing a beard, the Fish fizzled to a record of 4-12. After a year of herbal bliss, however, Williams did what many potheads do. He changed his mind. Deciding to drop the bong for the ball, Williams returned to football for the 2005-06 season. Due to violations of the NFL's drug policy, he was forced to sit out the first four games of the season, making his debut last week at Tampa Bay. This week, for the first time since his seedy exit, he throws on the pads for the home crowd at Dolphins Stadium (2269 Dan Marino Blvd., Miami) in a matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Tickets start at $25. Call 888-FINS-TIX, or visit www.miamidolphins.com. — Tim Hammill

Heavy Heat

David Tua headlines "Rumble at the Rock"

BY TIM HAMMILL

FRI 10/21 At age 32, heavyweight boxer David Tua may be in the twilight of his career — but do youwant to tell him that? The New Zealander continues to fight, simply because he is bigger and scarier than anyone who might tell him to quit. In 2000, the creatively nicknamed "Tuaman" reached the top of the rankings by challenging Lennox Lewis for the undisputed world heavyweight championship only to lose in a unanimous decision. Friday, Tua headlines the "Rumble at the Rock," taking on Cisse Salif at the Hard Rock Live Arena (5747 Seminole Way, Hollywood). Also on the card: heavyweight Jameel McCline, unbeaten Edison Miranda, and rising star Yuri Foreman. Tickets start at $50. Call 954-523-3309, or visit www.ticketmaster.com. — Tim Hammill