NFL

Dolphins' Williams cleared for return, still faces ban

By wire services
Published July 20, 2005

MIAMI - Dolphins running back Ricky Williams has been cleared by the NFL to report Sunday with the rest of the team for the start of training camp, a year and a day after he abruptly retired.

The league's 2002 rushing champion decided to seek reinstatement after sitting out last season. He still faces a four-game suspension at the start of the season for violating the league's substance abuse program.

Williams rushed for 3,225 yards and 25 touchdowns in two seasons with the Dolphins. He informed coach Dave Wannstedt of his retirement last July 23, a week before training camp.

A court later found the 1998 Heisman Trophy winner in breach of contract by retiring, and ordered him to repay the team $8.6-million. The Dolphins have not yet tried to collect the settlement, and new coach Nick Saban offered Williams another chance to play for the Dolphins.

PRICE OF ADMISSION: Greater Mankato Training Camp LLC has decided to charge admission: $5 for practices Sunday through Friday, and $10 on Saturdays to the Vikings' training camp workouts, much to coach Mike Tice's concern. "That could hurt us as it pertains to personnel," Tice told the St. Paul Pioneer Press. If a team charges admission to workouts, scouts can buy a ticket and watch. They are not permitted to attend free practices.

HENRY AGREES WITH TITANS: Running back Travis Henry has agreed to a multiyear contract extension with Tennessee after being obtained in a trade with Buffalo. He will be introduced at a news conference today.

REDSKINS: Seventh-round draft pick Nehemiah Broughton, a running back from The Citadel, signed.

JAGUARS: Second-round draft pick, offensive tackle Khalif Barnes, has agreed to a four-year contract.

ARENA FOOTBALL: Former Storm and Tampa Bay Bandits assistant Doug Kay was named coach of the Columbus Destroyers. Kay was defensive coordinator on the Storm's ArenaBowl VII championship squad in 1993 and served in the same capacity with the USFL's Bandits in 1987. He replaces Chris Spielman, who resigned in June after a 2-14 season.

Times staff writer Frank Pastor contributed to this report.

[Last modified July 20, 2005, 00:58:13]