The sulky, oft-injured 1998 Heisman Trophy winner did not endear himself to coach Jim Haslett and general manager Randy Mueller last season when they replaced stumbling Mike Ditka. And while the Saints were making their unexpected playoff run, Williams again was bothered by the injury bug.
Nobody can help getting hurt.
That's unlucky, not uncooperative. But when a player's attitude is elitist and he's aloof, it sends a signal to his teammates. Saints backup defensive end Willie Whitehead said recently. Williams was the only Saints player who did not report for the start of off-season training in March. It was voluntary, but coaches expected the running back to be there.