MIAMI – Former NFL rushing champion Ricky Williams tested positive again for marijuana last month, which will delay his return to the league until at least September, a person familiar with the case said Friday. Williams sought to end a one-year drug suspension last month when he asked to rejoin the Miami Dolphins. But following the positive drug test, clinicians in the NFL’s substance abuse program advised commissioner Roger Goodell to delay reinstatement, the person close to the case said.

Titans’ Jones busted days before appeal

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Adam “Pacman” Jones promised in a full-page ad that he had learned a lifetime of lessons in recent weeks. The Tennessee Titans’ cornerback may have had a hard time convincing NFL commissioner Roger Goodell that really is true.

Jones met Friday in New York with the man who suspended him from the NFL for the 2007 season for conduct detrimental to the league. The cornerback appealed for leniency during his second meeting with Goodell since April 3.

But Goodell went into the hearing knowing Nashville police ticketed Jones for speeding four days before Friday’s hearing. Jones was stopped at 12:45 a.m. Monday after an officer clocked him on radar at 79 mph in a 55 mph zone.

Vick scrambles away; notorious house sold

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – Michael Vick refused Friday to discuss the sordid dog-fighting case, the latest in a series on embarrassing revelations about the Atlanta Falcons star and one that could land him in trouble with the NFL.

Commissioner Roger Goodell already met with Vick and could impose a suspension if it’s shown that he knew about dozens of mistreated dogs that allegedly were used for fighting.

The animals were found at a home owned by Vick in Smithfield, Va.. The Daily Press of Newport News, Va., reported Friday that Vick has sold the house.

John Brooks, an agent with Long & Foster, told the newspaper that the two-story brick house was put up for sale on Wednesday and sold the same day. Vick was asking $350,000 for the property – less than half its assessed value of $747,000. Brooks would not reveal the sale price.

Looking as though he didn’t have a care in the world, Vick emerged from the locker room after the Falcons conducted their first practice of a mandatory three-day minicamp. He sat down on a set of metal bleachers, wearing a T-shirt that said “Pay The Price,” and was engulfed by some 30 members of the media.

“How y’all doing,” he said, breaking into a slight smile.

Before the first question was asked, Vick made it clear that he didn’t want to talk about the dog-fighting case.

“I know y’all are here to talk about the ongoing investigation back home in Virginia,” he said. “As of right now, that situation is still under investigation. My attorney has advised me not to talk about the situation right now. That’s the best thing.

“I know you guys have a job to do, but I would respect it if you respect what I have to say about just not saying anything right now until the investigation is over.”

Vick wouldn’t discuss the sale of the house or even respond to the chance to proclaim his innocence, as he did shortly after the property was raided by investigators some two weeks ago.

“Like I said, I won’t talk about the situation right now,” he said. “When the investigation is over, then I’ll be more than glad to answer any questions that you have for me.”

AP-ES-05-11-07 1337EDT