Dolphins: Uh Ricky, about that $8.6 mill you owe us ...
SportsLine.com wire reports
The Miami Dolphins have asked Ricky Williams to return $8.6 million they say the running back owes the team because he has decided to retire.
The request and the amount were confirmed Friday by a league source, who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity.
It was first reported in Friday's editions of The Miami Herald.
The star running back shocked the Dolphins by announcing just before the start of training camp that he was retiring at age 27 after five seasons in the league, the last two with Miami.
It was only one blow to the team, which has been hurt by a holdout by Adewale Ogunleye, last season's AFC sack leader, and a season-ending injury to wide receiver David Boston, its main offseason free-agent acquisition.
The source said Williams had received a letter from the team asking for money that was included in various bonuses, including the signing bonus he received when he originally was drafted by the New Orleans Saints. The Dolphins had been hinting that they would ask for the money but only recently made the request formal in a letter to the player and his agent, Leigh Steinberg.
The Dolphins and Steinberg both declined comment.
Because Williams formally filed retirement papers with the NFL three weeks ago, he would not be able to play this season if he changes his mind.
Because Williams was in the league's substance abuse program, he can't return for one year without penalty. Williams has acknowledged testing positive for marijuana three times and league officials have said his filing for retirement counts as a fourth failed test, which would result in a year's suspension.
If he decides to return next year, he would face a four-game suspension -- the penalty for three failed tests.
Williams rushed for 3,225 yards in two seasons with Miami after being obtained in a trade with New Orleans.
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