Halo

Saban: Ricky Williams 'very interested' in returning to football

May 19, 2005
DAVIE, Fla. (AP) -- Ricky Williams is discussing a comeback with the Miami Dolphins, coach Nick Saban said Thursday.

Saban acknowledged holding recent discussions with Williams, whose sudden retirement stunned the Dolphins shortly before training camp began last season. He would not divulge specifics of the talks, but has long said that he was open to the prospect of Williams returning.

Williams rushed for 3,225 yards and 25 touchdowns in his two seasons with the Dolphins.

``Ricky still seems to be very, very interested in coming back,'' Saban said. ``As I've said before, the things that we discuss, we've decided not to talk about publicly. I think that I can safely say that you all know about his situation as I do.''

Leigh Steinberg, Williams' agent, didn't immediately return a phone message seeking comment.

Williams, who led the NFL in rushing in 2002, still owes the Dolphins $8.6 million for breaching his contract by unexpectedly retiring.

He also entered into a settlement last month with a former South Florida woman, agreeing to pay $4,200 per month in support and establish a $300,000 trust fund for a child he fathered.

After quitting the Dolphins, the former Heisman Trophy winner later acknowledged that he failed drug tests and faced a suspension for testing positive three times for marijuana.

``There are issues that need to be worked through,'' Saban said. ``We're all in the process of evaluating those issues before it is resolved.''

If Williams returns, he'd likely have to wait until July to un-retire. Otherwise, he would face a one-year suspension for his violations of the NFL's substance-abuse program. Williams will still face a four-game suspension for failing a third drug test for marijuana last July, just before he retired.

Plus, the Dolphins used the No. 2 overall pick in last month's draft on another running back, Ronnie Brown of Auburn.


http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slu...v=ap&type=lgns

WhoDat

FireVenturi

i would also rather play football than have to pay back 8 mil. not really that much of a decision if u ask me.

Tobias-Reiper

...let's..get..togethrand beee aaallriteeeee!!!!!

CheramieIII

Saban's career as an NFL coach will not last long if he throws TRICKY into the Dolphins locker room. NOBODY will ever trust this guy. Can you guys imagine the hate and discontent after his arrival. He will always be an outcast and that will never change.

It's like going to war with TRICKY standing behind you but don't take your eyes off of him because when you need him the most he will be gone.

TRICKY needs to stay retired, maybe one of those countries where you can smoke pot all day long and it's legal.

Golf and sex are about the only things you can enjoy without being good at them.
Jimmy Demaret

blackwidows

I don't know I don't read to much into it. Every year they talk about the possibility of him coming back it seems like a soap opera. On the next episode of the pothead Ricky thinks about coming back to the NFL than changes his mind and says he would rather smoke still. Owe thats what happened last time my bad.