NEW YORK — Miami Dolphins coach Nick Saban continued his long-standing support of running back Ricky Williams by testifying on Williams' behalf during an appeal of Williams' latest positive drug test under the NFL's substance-abuse policy.
According to a source, Saban spoke for about 30 minutes Monday over the telephone. Saban has consistently said that he will support Williams through this process, that he doesn't believe Williams used drugs in this instance, and that Williams is one of the hardest-working players he ever has coached.
Williams' attorney, David Cornwell, declined Tuesday to comment on the hearing, which lasted about seven hours, other than to say he was "optimistic." But Cornwell did issue a statement through a spokesperson.
"During Monday's appeal hearing, we presented compelling evidence demonstrating that disciplining Mr. Williams would undermine the integrity of the NFL's Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse," the statement said.
An NFL source indicated Tuesday that a decision on the appeal could come as early as next week, which would be well before the annual draft April 29-30. Once Pash makes a decision, he will pass on a recommendation to NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue.
Williams, who has tested positive three times in the past for marijuana use, is facing a suspension of at least one year. Williams did not test positive for marijuana this time.
Cornwell said last month he would not stand in the way of Williams and the Dolphins getting an expedited ruling on the appeal before the draft. The Dolphins might look at other running backs in the draft if Williams is suspended for the 2007 season.