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As initially reported by Miami Herald staffer Jason Cole, Dolphins running back Ricky Williams faces at least a one-year suspension from the NFL after testing positive for drug use a fourth time under the league's substance abuse policy.

According to Cole, two sources confirmed reports by Miami's WSVN-TV and Denver's local Fox affiliate KDVR that Williams had failed the test, although neither would say the substance Williams used. On three previous occasions, Williams had tested positive for using marijuana.

Head coach Nick Saban told ESPN he was not aware of the report and would not comment, citing the confidential nature of the league's substance-abuse policy.

Dolphins spokesman Harvey Greene also declined to comment Sunday night.

"Because of the confidential nature of the league's substance abuse policy, we can't comment on any aspect of that program," Greene told Cole.

Williams returned to the NFL this season after retiring for the 2004 season. He missed the first four games of the season and was fined an additional four weeks of salary from the second and third violations of the substance abuse program.

Those positive tests had occurred in December 2003 and in the 2004 offseason. Williams returned to have a productive season.

Williams is under contract for two more years with the Dolphins, at base salaries of $545,000 and $670,000. He would be 30 if he returned to action in 2007.

Williams has spent much of the offseason in Northern California studying yoga and holistic medicine. Recent reports out of both Miami and Denver have indicated the Broncos were interested in securing the mercurial tailback's services.

As the Denver Post first reported, Broncos officials had internal discussions about acquiring Williams on at least two occasions. However, the two teams never talked about a deal.

Of course, this story is just breaking; we're sure to have more details in coming days. Keep an eye on the News & Views and Headline News sections of this site for the latest.

For what it's worth, Herald columnist Barry Jackson recently reported that Williams was mulling two unusual offers (besides one to endorse massage oils).

First, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals wanted him to become a national spokesman after hearing him say he never eats anything "with a face."

The other?

Las Vegas asked him to star in one of those "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas" ads.

The latter might still work out for him.