7. A flawed policy victim—Ricky Williams
The year 2004 was fine.
Est. Penalties in total: $650,000*
Prior to his career being disrupted by many infractions of the NFL’s substance usage policy, Ricky Williams was well on his way to being inducted into the Hall of Fame. It was revealed shortly after the 2003–04 season ended that Williams had tested positive for cannabis a few months prior in a random drug test. Williams received a $650,000 fine from the league along with a four-game suspension starting in the next season.
Ricky Williams Was a Victim of a Design Flaw Copyright Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
Having settled the fine, Ricky Williams chose to retire rather than serve out his punishment. A few years later, he returned, only to have his season-long suspension for cannabis use handed down to him once more. Players accused of carrying guns without the required authorization, meanwhile, receive little more than slaps on the wrist.