A Denver-based organization called Safer Alternative For Enjoyable Recreation (SAFER) is reaching out to running back Ricky Williams, who filed for reinstatement Monday after serving an 18-month suspension for violating the NFL's drug policy for the fourth time.
The group, which lobbied to make Denver the first major U.S. city to look the other way on simple adult marijuana possession two years ago, is trying to lure Williams to the Mile HIGH City by putting up a billboard directly across the street from Invesco Field that reads, "Ricky, come to Denver...Where the people support your SAFER choice."
The billboard includes an image of a black man with dreadlocks wearing a Broncos uniform with "Williams" and "34" on the back, leading many onlookers to connect the dots to a certain Dolphins running back.
Sadly, a prior commitment (lunch) will prevent me from attending tomorrow's news conference under the billboard. And if you're behind on Denver city politics, SAFER claims to have pushed a 2005 ballot initiative that stated marijuana was far less harmful than alcohol, and that adults should have the right to make the "safer" choice.
"The National Football League's marijuana policy is just as irrational as our federal government's marijuana policy," said SAFER Executive Director Mason Tvert in a press release. "In both cases, authorities are steering adults toward using alcohol and punishing them for making the safer choice to use marijuana instead. If Roger Goodell and every NFL player over 21 can go home after a game and have a drink, there is no reason why Ricky Williams should not be allowed to go home and use a less harmful drug."
Just for grins, I'll attempt to seek comment from the league office on this issue. Now go about your afternoon in peace.
