Playboy is probably not required reading in these parts but you may want to pick up the December issue. Via Outsports is an excerpt of a lengthy profile of Ricky Williams, the Miami Dolphins running back who has had his share of problems off the filed. The former NFL bad boy discusses that controversial cover of ESPN the Magazine, where he posed in a wedding dress with New Orleans Saint Coach Mike Ditka. Williams says wearing the dress was his idea.
“In 9th grade, I dressed as a cheerleader on Halloween. It was my idea to wear the wedding dress. I didn’t think it would offend anyone. I just wanted to show my relationship with Ditka. I was looking at myself, not as a football player, but as an open, interesting person. The reaction from reporters and fans was shocking. I didn’t see why it was such a big deal for a football player not to be afraid to be in touch with that side of himself. It doesn’t make sense that a football player is supposed to be fearless but should be afraid to be in touch with his feminine side."
Most impressive. A multi-dimensional professional athlete who shares his battle with depression and self-esteem, and, not afraid to admit he is in touch with his feminine side. Williams is also one of the few NFL players to give the gays some love, thanking "all his fans 'straight or gay' during an interview." In this age of gun-toting, homophobic ballers, we need more Ricky Williamses on our teams.
Ricky Williams in Touch with His Feminine Side [Outsports]
