Former Dolphin Ricky Williams considers comeback

Former Miami Dolphins RB Ricky Williams

I, for one, do not ever wish to see Ricky Williams in a Dolphins uniform again. To sum up the story, Ricky is considering a return in 2005, when his drug suspension ends. Mr. Williams expressed concern over the team's overutilization of rushing. He didn't like Miami's decision to promote Chris Foerester to Offensive Coordinator. Last, and probably most important, the Dolphins are seeking $8 million from Williams.

This is not at all surprising. I expect we'll see Ricky Williams back somewhere by 2005, at the latest. With the state of Miami's offense, I'll bet they'd take him back immediately. Of course, his dabbling with marijuana makes an imminent return implausible.

This could turn into a major South Florida drama. I have a hard time believing Dolphin fans would ever accept Williams again. If Ricky wants to return, Miami should trade him and hopefully get two first round picks in return.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/sfl-826williamsback,0,36883.story?coll=sfla-sports-front

By Ethan J. Skolnick And Alex Marvez Sun-Sentinel Posted August 25 2004, 10:34 PM EDT

For the first time since filing his retirement papers with the NFL, ex-tailback Ricky Williams reached out to Dolphins coach Dave Wannstedt earlier this week and is considering a comeback in the future, according to several NFL sources.

It is believed Williams raised the subject of returning to the Dolphins if they met specified conditions, including the renegotiation of his current contract, during a telephone conversation with Wannstedt.

A return in 2004 would be unlikely unless Williams were to register a favorable appeal to NFL Commissioner Paul Tabliabue. Because he was in the league's drug-testing program following three positive tests for marijuana, Williams automatically was credited with a fourth failed test when he filed retirement papers earlier this month. That means the automatic imposition of a year-long suspension.

Wannstedt was unavailable for comment Wednesday night. Williams' agent Leigh Steinberg did not return telephone messages seeking comment.

Sources close to Williams say he has given countless reasons for his retirement, many of which are not related to football. But a few have related specifically to the Dolphins' situation.

These sources say he had several frustrations with the team, foremost among them his contract status. Williams' contract, which runs through 2006, was slated to pay him $3.74 million this season.

Sources also say Williams was bothered by the frequency he was used - an NFL-record 775 carries in a two-season span - and did not think that would change with the promotion of Chris Foerster to offensive coordinator after Joel Collier stepped down and returned to his post as running backs coach.

Williams, who was close to Collier, apparently believed there was a better chance for offensive diversification that would allow him to shoulder less of the burden if quarterbacks coach and passing specialist Marc Trestman was promoted instead of Foerster.

Last week, the Dolphins notified Williams that he needed to report to play or face the recoupment of $8.6 million in paid salary. The Dolphins, which included recoupment provisions in a restructured contract Williams agreed to in 2002, would have to repay $5.3 million in salary from the Dolphins and $3.3 million in signing bonus money he received from New Orleans in 1999.