By HAROLD KELLER / L’Observateur / April 20, 1999

“A Gift from Above” – “Saint Ricky!” That’s what the headlines read about the Saints first-round draft pick, Ricky Williams of Texas.

Last week, Saints fans were indignant about the increase in the price of game tickets. There was talk about Tom Benson maybe getting in a position to sellthe franchise and move the team. Some season ticket holders were talkingabout jumping off the crippled ship.

How things change! The fickle finger of faith, as some say. This week, theSaints owner, coaches, players and the fickle fans have new hope – a savior in the name of Ricky Williams! Sunday, the Saints had a “Meet Ricky Williams Day.” According to reports,people lined up 500 deep to just say hello to Ricky. Coach Mike Ditka had a wigof long, black dreadlocks on his head for the news media. (I guess he wastrying to appease Ricky.)If it doesn’t sound like I’m excited about the new Saint in town, you’re right.

I’m not. Why? Because of the negative impact I think he’ll have on youngpeople, especially his race. Ricky comes to town with “Master P,” the rapartist, as one of his advisors, a head of dreadlocks that would make one think putting on a football helmet would be a problem, four tattoos, pierced ears, a pierced nose and a stud in his pierced tongue.

Wow! What a role model! A gift from above? I think not. Personally, I think Godcould care less about the Saints getting into the playoffs or winning a Super Bowl. I know He cares about each individual, including Ricky Williams, butabout the Saints win and loss record, He could care less if they went 0-16.

If it sounds like I’m hard on the Saints, I guess you’re right. The saddest thingabout the whole affair is the fans. How can grown-ups get so wrapped up in afootball team to which that they have no direct ties? How people can make a little God of a man in dreadlocks with tattoos, pierced ears and a pierced nose and tongue before he has had a chance to prove himself is beyond my comprehension.

Let’s say that Ricky does lead the Saints to the Super Bowl. So what? My heartgoes out to the young people who will be influenced by Ricky Williams, thinking that their only goals should be becoming great athletes, and as a result, instant millionaires.

I, like everyone else, don’t know if Ricky Williams will be a productive football player. The only thing I’m certain of is that dreadlocks are in and thetattoo and body piercing business will be booming.

‘Thanks, Ricky! Thanks for nothing!

Copyright © 1998, Wick Communications, Inc.

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