WAGERWEB.COM POSTS ODDS ON: "WILL RICKY WILLIAMS PLAY FOR THE MIA DOLPHINS IN 2005?

The twists and turns of the Ricky Williams saga continue. Just in time for the release of Star Wars Episode III, Williams, who appeared to have gone over to the dark side when he abruptly retired on the eve of training camp last season, might be changing his mind once again. The former Saint and Dolphin has always had a unique personality and quiet disposition, but when he left the Dolphins in the lurch last season, they demanded more than $8 million of his signing bonus back, which Williams did not have in its entirety. This launched the war of words between the two sides. Williams seemed more disinterested than ever about playing football again, and the Dolphins seemed more and more interested in getting their money back, which Williams had forfeited by retiring. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o>

There was a short period of time when there were rumors that Williams wanted to come back to (I recommend saying "return to" rather than "come back to") football, and some felt this was just so he would be able to keep the signing bonus money, but the question then became would the Dolphins even want him back or would they trade him to another team. New Dolphins coach Nick Saban is rumored to have talked with Williams on several occasions, and now the estranged RB is saying he wants to come back. Only time will tell what Williams really wants to do, but just the thought of getting back a top tier RB has the Fins, who were abysmal last season, hoping for the best. <o></o>

<o></o>

"Ricky is definitely one of the best RBs to play in the NFL in the past 10 years," said Wagerweb.com CEO Dave Johnson. "Even with all the problems he has caused, it would be crazy for the Dolphins not to take him back if he so desires. We have already received a large number of wagers on Williams coming back and playing for Miami in 2005." <o></o>

<o></o>

<o></o>

Its hard to believe unless he's pushed, that Ricky would want to play in Miami. The way the O-line panned out last year, and nobody respecting the passing game, it would be easy to see him not lasting long. I think he couldnt have picked a better time to go.

does he have to play or just be on the roster?

It says 'play'... I guess that is a vague prop...Ricky won't play for Miami.

If he is on the roster.. he will play.

Journeyman said:

It says 'play'... I guess that is a vague prop...Ricky won't play for Miami.

Click to expand...

Well then lets pound No +300 for the limit!

Ricky Williams to return to NFL: report

WebPosted Mon, 23 May 2005 11:48:51 EDT CBC Sports
Ricky Williams will be with the Miami Dolphins when the team opens training camp in July, according to Leigh Steinberg, the agent for Williams.




Steinberg told the Palm Beach Post on Friday that Williams, who abruptly retired prior to training camp last year, plans to rejoin the Dolphins. "Ricky's made the decision he wants to play again," Steinberg told the paper.

Steinberg suggested Friday that Williams' relationship with new Dolphins head coach Nick Saban is one of the reasons the running back is considering a return to the team. Williams and Saban have had "some steady dialogue in the last 10 days," said Steinberg.

Since taking over as Miami's head coach in December, Saban has maintained he would welcome a return by Williams. For his part, Williams has not publicly stated he wants to resume his career, but Steinberg claims Williams has indicated he would like to return to football.

"Ricky has expressed a desire and excitement about returning to the Dolphins and playing football this season," Steinberg said. "He's keeping in shape and has been involved in a rigorous training program."

Williams stunned the Dolphins last July by announcing his retirement just before training camp opened. Without him, the Dolphins struggled, going 4-12 to finish last in the AFC East. The Miami offence sputtered without Williams, averaging just 17.2 points and 275 yards per game, the team's worst output since 1969.

The Dolphins' leading rusher in 2004, Sammy Morris, gained 525 yards- a far cry from Williams' total of 1,372 in 2003 and the NFL-best 1,853 Williams piled up in 2002.

To shore up their running game, Miami drafted Auburn running back Ronnie Brown with the second overall pick in this year's draft.

Since retiring, Williams has spent time travelling abroad to places like Australia and India. He also studied holistic medicine at a school in Grass Valley, Calif.

Even if Williams plans to return to the NFL, several obstacles remain in his way. Shortly after retiring last July, Williams acknowledged that he had failed drug tests and faced a suspension from the league for testing positive for marijuana three times.

Due to those failed tests, Williams would face a one-year suspension if he returns prior to the one-year anniversary of his retirement. If he waits until after the one-year mark, Williams would have to serve a four-game suspension before playing again.

He will comebck but will have to sit out a year maybe...take no for +300

"Due to those failed tests, Williams would face a one-year suspension if he returns prior to the one-year anniversary of his retirement. If he waits until after the one-year mark, Williams would have to serve a four-game suspension before playing again."<!-- / message -->

And he weighs 195 , can that be? As thick as he was, he must look real small for him....If he's lost 40 lbs, does this mean he's faster?

That pot didin't get him faster J-man.

Being a Dolphins fan, I know a little about the plan. Dolphins may trade ricky soon, but not this year. Saban wants 2 good running backs. Ronnie Brown will be their guy, Ricky would be insurance and a great guy to have around to split the load. They will spell each other. Ricky would be insurance and a guy not asked to make a huge contribution each week and he will progress to more playing time if he earns it thru good play. A healthy Ricky is a terror, so I expect he would get increased time as the season goes on.

This appeals to Ricky, he was used like a merciless battering ram under the idiotic Wannsted regime and he hated it. Now that Ronnie Brown is around and the new coach is there, Ricky feels assured he wont have to carry the ball 37 times a game.

So long as Ricky stays clean and wants to play, he will play for Miami this year. I think he will play, but I wont lay -500. I am suggesting nobody bite on +300 on the no.

The main plan for Miami is to get Ricky in, give him a year to get in shape and show what he can do, then explore trade options. They could decide to keep him if everything is working well. Right now, hes worth next to nothing, with a good season, his value will be a lot higher.

Indy should send James down home and we'll take Ricky at a minimum price. :drink:

Great info. Makes sense.

Does Preseason count? This people need to be more clear on some of these props.