The Facts: The football future of Williams, both short- and long-term, could be on the line Monday, as the NFL convenes a hearing to consider the appeal to allegations that he again violated the league's substance abuse policy. The hearing will be held in New York and, unless Williams is successful in his appeal, he faces a year-long exile from the league.
Diehards Line:Williams will be represented by David Cornwell, a former league counsel who helped craft the NFL's substance abuse guidelines, is eminently familiar with the policy. ... Meanwhile, the Dolphins might request an expedited decision in the Williams appeal. The draft is set for April 29-30, and management would prefer to have some feel for Williams' availability in 2006 before then. ... Stay tuned.