28
Apr
2010
ESPN’s “Run Ricky Run” should be mandatory viewing
By ArtieFufkin
In case you haven’t been watching, ESPN’s 30 for 30 series is must-see sports programming. It’s a series of documentary shorts from different filmmakers on a variety of sports topics, resulting in some of the best sports films in recent memory (see the docs on the University of Miami football program and Allen Iverson’s trial as a youth, in particular). Set your DVR’s, folks.
The latest episode is entitled “Run Ricky Run”, with Sean Pamphilon and Royce Toni taking an in-depth look at the fascinating journey of former Heisman Trophy-winner and Dolphins RB Ricky Williams. It’s a story that demanded to be told, and this film provides unparalleled access to Williams and those close to him.
It doesn’t take long to realize that Williams is as far from the run-of-the-mill professional athlete as could possibly be. His much-publicized love of marijuana led to multiple suspensions, and when he went to Canada to play ball in 2006, it seemed to signal the end of his NFL career.
The happy ending came with Williams’ return to the Dolphins, where he rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2009, becoming the first player in NFL history with 6 years between thousand-yard seasons.
There’s no doubt that Williams has made some wildly controversial decisions throughout his life, but the root of these choices are far more complex than simply wanting to smoke weed. This film shines light on an incident during Williams’ youth where he was allegedly molested by his father, and undoubtedly had significant repercussions. And while we never may get a full understanding of exactly what goes on inside that head of his, it’s clear that Williams is on traveling on a spiritual journey. He genuinely seems to be seeking truth and happiness for himself, no matter what the rest of the NFL or society might think about the choices he makes.
And that in and of itself deserves to be applauded.
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I am a fan of the Eagles and the sport of football in general. I love to see college players transform as the hype builds around them approaching the NFL, and try to see where the player will end up and how he will perform. I became fascinated with Ricky as he came into the spotlight and hoped and prayed the Eagles could land him in the coming years. When we actually had a chance with a high draft pick I thought my dream had come true. Not the case, but I followed him anyway. When he went to the dolphins I was delighted since I have to claim an AFC team, I had always like the dolphins strictly because of Dan Marino, and it just stuck from there. Also the Eagles have sent many a players back and forth to the Dolphins in my era and it was cool to keep up with them. I love Ricky, he is the best running back I have watched yet. His smashmouth, finish the play attitude coupled with decent speed and agility make him fun to watch. I have drafted him every year in fantasy at times just as a honor to him and received many a chuckle from the crowd. This year it paid off and he made the difference in my team going deep into the playoffs. I feel for the man and I hope he can continue to do well in football for my own selfish reasons of wanting to root for him. I will always be a fan of whom I consider The most unfairly bashed great player of this time. I love you Ricky and this documentary shows everyone what I was hoping was the truth all along. Watch this program, if you like football and want to see a great story about what the game hides, watch this. As a side note you will also be awoken to the often misinformed, outlandish, agenda pushing sports reporting that is ESPN. If you hadn’t already noticed that, you will now. Try not to buy in to them being the final authority on pro sports. I must give them credit for airing this show on their network though which also proves who much of money whores they really are. Thanks, watch Run Ricky Run.