MIAMI - Former Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams was ordered Friday to repay the team more than $8.6-million for breaching his contract when he suddenly quit before training camp.
Arbitrator Richard Bloch ruled that Williams must repay $8,616,353 in bonus money under the contract he left behind when he shocked the Dolphins and their fans with his sudden retirement. The contract ran through 2007.
"We are pleased that Mr. Bloch has confirmed that Ricky Williams breached his contract with the Dolphins and is required to repay compensation," NFL senior vice president/general counsel Dennis Curran said.
"This decision is consistent with many other cases that have affirmed the right of NFL clubs and players to negotiate compensation based on the player's fulfillment of the contract," Curran said.
The Dolphins declined comment, saying they only talk about players on their roster.
Williams' agent, Leigh Steinberg, was out of the country, his office said. He didn't immediately return a phone message left Friday.
The Dolphins had filed a grievance against Williams, asking an arbitrator to uphold their contractual right to recover the money paid to him between the signing bonus and incentives. Before the grievance, the Dolphins mailed a letter to Williams asking him to report or pay the money back.
Williams also called the team, telling them he would come back if he received a new contract. The Dolphins declined that request.
Williams has given many reasons why he called Dolphins coach Dave Wannstedt days before workouts were to begin in July to tell him he was quitting. At different times, Williams has expressed displeasure with his contract, an excessive workload and new offensive coordinator Chris Foerster.
It was not immediately known what would happen if Williams declared bankruptcy or decided to return to the team.
But even if the 27-year-old Williams wanted to return, he faces a suspension for the entire 2004 season for violating the NFL drug policy. He has acknowledged testing positive for marijuana three times.
REDSKINS: Quarterback Mark Brunell jogged from sideline to sideline while throwing passes to backup Tim Hasselbeck about 10 yards away. The drill, with the quarterbacks running while whipping passes back and forth, indicated that Brunell has progressed since straining his left hamstring Sunday against the Giants. Brunell appears intent on playing Monday night against the Cowboys at FedEx Field, though he still feels soreness and tightness.
CHIEFS: Running back Priest Holmes, who turned an ankle and suffered a knee strain on the same fourth-quarter play in last Sunday's loss to Carolina, practiced on a limited basis for the first time this week on Friday and could play against the Texans, coach Dick Vermeil said. "He worked at three-quarters speed. We'll see how he feels (today) and take it all the way to Sunday," Vermeil said. "He absolutely amazes me. Whatever he puts his mind to doing, he has unbelievable power to do it, and I think he's made up his mind that he's going to play. Holmes declined to talk with reporters.
JETS: Safety Jon McGraw was fined $7,500 for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Chargers quarterback Drew Brees, who sustained a concussion. McGraw, who was called for roughing the passer, was fined for hitting Brees in the chest and head area with his helmet, NFL spokesman Vince Casey said. The NFL injury report listed Brees as a probable starter Sunday against the Broncos.
BEARS: Middle linebacker Brian Urlacher was listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Vikings in Minnesota because he aggravated the right hamstring he pulled in training camp. Coach Lovie Smith said Urlacher has a "50-50" chance of playing. If Urlacher can't start, he will be replaced by Hunter Hillenmeyer, who has appeared in 15 games on special teams for the Bears since being signed off waivers last September. Urlacher has never missed an NFL game and has started 64 straight regular season games since becoming a starter in the third week of the 2000 season.
COLTS: Edgerrin James will play on Sunday against the Packers. James strained his left hamstring on a late touchdown run in last week's win over the Titans. Colts coach Tony Dungy said he expected James to start. James participated in individual and teams drills Friday, which came as a surprise to Dungy. Team doctors initially figured James would miss at least one game, but he has been running well in practice. Backup running back Dominic Rhodes is expected to share playing time with James.
