MIAMI -- Ricky Williams, who is serving a year suspension from the NFL for violating its substance abuse policy, has passed all his drug tests and intends to apply for readmission to the NFL in April, his agent said Thursday.
Williams
Williams, who spent his year of exile with the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL, had a strong relationship with former Dolphins coach Nick Saban. But despite Saban's departure to Alabama, Williams intends to return to the Dolphins, said his agent, Leigh Steinberg.
"Ricky's contract is with the Miami Dolphins and he fully intends to apply for reinstatement in April and return to play for the Dolphins," Steinberg said.
He said Williams is living in northern California, where he's practicing yoga, and that the broken arm he suffered while playing in the CFL has healed. Williams gained 231 yards on 57 carries and one touchdown and caught seven passes for 58 yards in an injury-shortened season for the Argos.
Saban, for his part, believes Williams' return can help the Dolphins.
"God knows about No. 34, but if he comes back, you win three or four more games if the guy is playing, I'm telling you," Saban said Thursday. "He's got a presence."
Williams suddenly retired in July 2004, then returned in 2005 after serving a four-game suspension for an earlier violation of the substance abuse policy. In his year away from the game he became a certified yoga instructor and studied holistic medicine.