So, Ricky Williams has to pay back 8.6 Million to the [Archive]

TrumpetDude

09-30-2004, 09:15 PM

RICKY RUNNING BACK TO THE NFL?

Based on our discussions with league sources, there's still a possibility that Dolphins running back Ricky Williams will try to return to the team as soon as this season.

Although Williams supposedly has retired, we've heard that the retirement papers weren't submitted by him directly, but through an attorney. Since Williams apparently didn't personally sign off on the papers, there's a chance (some believe) that he could rescind the retirement without having to sit out the entire season.

(This theory ignores the concept of ratification, given that Ricky has since acted like someone who has retired from the game. But what the hell -- it's intriguing nevertheless.)

Another issue is the drug program. No one knows what level he would've reached if he hadn't retired. If, however, he unretires, he'll ultimately head to the next level of the program.

So if he were already at the 4-game suspension level, coming back would cause him to miss an entire season. But if he isn't at the 4-game suspension level (and an unretirement gets him there), it's possible that the NFL would give him credit for the time he already has missed.

Indeed, in a year where NFL players are dropping like sh-t from a St. Bernard, the league would be smart to do anything it can to get one of its superstars back onto the field.

Though no one is talking yet in these terms, the rash of season-ending injuries necessarily is diluting the on-field product. And at a time when the NFL is trying to posture for another multi-billion-dollar haul from the networks, the last thing they need is a season that eventually devolves into a bunch of second-stringers trying to grope their way to Jacksonville.

We're not officially reported that Ricky will try to return this season, but we're confident based on our discussions with folks in the know that it remains an option. And the $8.6 million arbitration award hanging over his head might, in the end, be the straw that pushes the camel back into the game.

STEINBERG NOT TO BLAME FOR RICKY'S DEAL

Given the NFL community's interest in this here site, it's no surprise that we've received more than a few e-mails from agents questioning the decision of agent Leigh Steinberg to permit Ricky Williams to sign a deal that allowed the team to recoup such a huge chunk of incentive money.

Many of those agents likely hope that we'll run a piece lambasting Steinberg, so that those agents can then use our analysis against him in the recruiting wars. Although we're not above ripping into an agent for doing and/or saying stupid things, our assessment of the Williams deal is that Steinberg did what he had to do in order to get the deal done.

(And for those of you who think we're coddling Steinberg, please peruse our March 2004 archives and search for the word "Galloway.")

Back to Ricky, let's rewind to 1999. Williams is drafted by the Saints. His agent is rapper and NBA wannabe Percy "Master P" Miller. Williams signs a deal that pays him $9 million up front and minimum salaries. The contract contains incentives that require him, for example, to rush for 6,400 yards in four seasons.

Fast forward to 2002. Ricky gets traded from the Saints to Miami, a year after the post-Ditka regime in New Orleans unexpectedly selects Deuce McAllister in the first round of the draft -- and weeks after Ricky is busted for driving his car at a rate of 126 miles per hour.

Once in Miami, Ricky's misfortunes continue. He is arrested after missing a court date on the 126 mph speeding ticket. Word breaks in April that he was fined $85,000 the prior season by the team for missing meetings and other assorted rules violations.

Then, in June 2002, Ricky is arrested outside the offices of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, a Ft. Lauderdale newspaper. The paper carries a photo of Williams -- shirtless and in handcuffs -- sitting on a curb while his Hummer with expired tags was being sea