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Posted on Thu, Jun. 02, 2005
Holistic doctor says Williams' drug use done
Dr. Marc Halpern of the California College of Ayurveda said the school's teachings helped running back Ricky Williams stop using marijuana.
BY JASON COLE
jcole@herald.com
Dolphins running back Ricky Williams' adventures during the past year through Australia, Europe, India, Asia, Northern California and parts unknown might have had at least one excellent result.
They might have ended his strong desire to smoke marijuana.
During Williams' time at a school for holistic medicine and a month of seclusion while in yoga training in India, Williams' instructors urged him to stop all addictive behaviors.
Although Williams, who plans to return to the team in July for training camp, was responsible for monitoring his drug use, Dr. Marc Halpern of the California College of Ayurveda believes Williams followed the doctrine.
''We strongly discourage all addictive behaviors,'' said Halpern, who was one of Williams' teachers and is the founder of the school in Grass Valley, Calif. ``Both the physical substance as well as negative emotional behaviors.
``It's part of the ongoing discussion that all students are subject to . . . learning the practice of Ayurvedic medicine is not just about being taught but also about living the principles that you're learning. It's about learning to live a life that is free of addiction.''
Said Williams' agent, Leigh Steinberg: ``It may seem strange, but in all of his travels and searching, he seems to have found a way of life that helps him handle one of the issues he had with the NFL.''
Before retiring in July, Williams had tested positive three times under the NFL's substance-abuse policy and was facing a four-game suspension and a four-week fine. After retiring, Williams continued to use marijuana and openly discussed his use in at least two magazine articles, including a November issue of Sports Illustrated.
In March, however, Williams told several people during a meeting about a paternity suit he had given up the drug. He said he believed smoking was unhealthy for his ``astral body.''
Said Halpern: ``There's a better way of expressing it. He gave up marijuana because it no longer served him and his well being.
``He has found better ways of helping himself through Ayurvedic medicine and yoga.''
Williams began attending the College of Ayurveda in the fall.
He recently took a leave of absence to do individual yoga study and prepare for his return to the Dolphins.
Williams spent May in India studying yoga techniques.
During that time, he and other students were secluded and allowed only limited access to the outside world through brief phone calls. Williams called either Steinberg or longtime girlfriend Kristen Barnes about once a week.
Asked if he thought Williams had a real passion for the game or if he was returning because of financial responsibilities, Halpern said, ``I think both statements would be true.''
BOWENS HURTING
• Defensive tackle Tim Bowens' back woes don't appear to be improving.
Bowens had an epidural of pain relievers last week and might not be able to participate in the team's veteran minicamp June 10-12.
Bowens missed all but one game last season because of the back pain and contemplated retirement before deciding to return.
• The minicamp next weekend will be open to the media and the public, with practices starting at 9:20 a.m. and 3:20 p.m. each day.
Each practice will last approximately 1 ½
Holistic doctor says Williams' drug use done
Dr. Marc Halpern of the California College of Ayurveda said the school's teachings helped running back Ricky Williams stop using marijuana.
BY JASON COLE
jcole@herald.com
Dolphins running back Ricky Williams' adventures during the past year through Australia, Europe, India, Asia, Northern California and parts unknown might have had at least one excellent result.
They might have ended his strong desire to smoke marijuana.
During Williams' time at a school for holistic medicine and a month of seclusion while in yoga training in India, Williams' instructors urged him to stop all addictive behaviors.
Although Williams, who plans to return to the team in July for training camp, was responsible for monitoring his drug use, Dr. Marc Halpern of the California College of Ayurveda believes Williams followed the doctrine.
''We strongly discourage all addictive behaviors,'' said Halpern, who was one of Williams' teachers and is the founder of the school in Grass Valley, Calif. ``Both the physical substance as well as negative emotional behaviors.
``It's part of the ongoing discussion that all students are subject to . . . learning the practice of Ayurvedic medicine is not just about being taught but also about living the principles that you're learning. It's about learning to live a life that is free of addiction.''
Said Williams' agent, Leigh Steinberg: ``It may seem strange, but in all of his travels and searching, he seems to have found a way of life that helps him handle one of the issues he had with the NFL.''
Before retiring in July, Williams had tested positive three times under the NFL's substance-abuse policy and was facing a four-game suspension and a four-week fine. After retiring, Williams continued to use marijuana and openly discussed his use in at least two magazine articles, including a November issue of Sports Illustrated.
In March, however, Williams told several people during a meeting about a paternity suit he had given up the drug. He said he believed smoking was unhealthy for his ``astral body.''
Said Halpern: ``There's a better way of expressing it. He gave up marijuana because it no longer served him and his well being.
``He has found better ways of helping himself through Ayurvedic medicine and yoga.''
Williams began attending the College of Ayurveda in the fall.
He recently took a leave of absence to do individual yoga study and prepare for his return to the Dolphins.
Williams spent May in India studying yoga techniques.
During that time, he and other students were secluded and allowed only limited access to the outside world through brief phone calls. Williams called either Steinberg or longtime girlfriend Kristen Barnes about once a week.
Asked if he thought Williams had a real passion for the game or if he was returning because of financial responsibilities, Halpern said, ``I think both statements would be true.''
BOWENS HURTING
• Defensive tackle Tim Bowens' back woes don't appear to be improving.
Bowens had an epidural of pain relievers last week and might not be able to participate in the team's veteran minicamp June 10-12.
Bowens missed all but one game last season because of the back pain and contemplated retirement before deciding to return.
• The minicamp next weekend will be open to the media and the public, with practices starting at 9:20 a.m. and 3:20 p.m. each day.
Each practice will last approximately 1 ½
