Ricky

Williams

Stay tuned, but it’s our understanding that Williams would not be allowed to play this year because of his violation of the league’s substance abuse policy and subsequent retirement. He might be worth grabbing in the meantime to make sure.

The Dolphins are seeking $8.6 million in incentive and signing bonus money. Miami is considered the favorite in the case. The ruling should come within a week.

Although the Sun-Sentinel is reporting that Williams could return to the Dolphins if they restructed his current contract, it just doesn’t appear likely that running back will play a down in the NFL this season. Williams made it clear “It’s not in my best interests to play football right now,” he told the Miami Herald.

They are seeking $8.6 million from Williams for services not rendered. The Dolphins have asked for the case to be “expedited” so the case can proceed in the next few weeks.

Ricky wants to be allowed to play “as soon as possible,” but no one believes that will be this season. The most likely scenario is Williams waiting until next July, when his year of retirement has passed, then returning to football. He isn’t likely to be a Dolphin.

We wouldn’t put too much stock in anything Ricky says. But this certainly won’t help his trade value.

Ricky needs $$, but this is an extreme longshot.

The request was for next season, eliminating any chance of Ricky suiting up before 2005. Williams will likely have to re-submit to drug testing. If all goes well, he could be reinstated during the offseason. Miami would love to be able to trade him before April’s draft.

The NFL insists no deal had been finalized, but this has to be welcome news to keeper/dynasty owners. If this report is true, the holistic medicine expert will be eligible to play in week 1 of the 2005 NFL season.

“The contract is tolled,” NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said. “That means if he comes back, his rights still belong to the Dolphins for the remainder of the contract he had when he retired.”