Ricky Williams will report to Dolphins training camp

[MACTANK]

Agent: Ricky will report to camp

Ricky Williams isn't just thinking about returning to the Dolphins.

He's planning on it.

Williams' agent, Leigh Steinberg, said Monday that Williams will "definitely" be in Dolphins training camp in July.


"He's planning on playing for the Dolphins," Steinberg said. "This thing has to be a step-by-step process, and obviously there are details that need to be worked out, but we have been in contact with coach [Nick] Saban and the Dolphins over the past week and informed them that he is excited and planning on playing for the Dolphins.


"The details and the process are in their court. But let me say that I am optimistic about the process. He's planning on returning."


Williams probably won't be there when camp begins July 24, but that's only because of a technicality.


When Williams retired in July, he was in violation of the NFL's substance-abuse policy and subject to a one-year suspension. If he returns within a year of the day he retired, he would still be subject to the one-year ban. If he returns after that date, he will be subject to a four-game suspension.


There is some confusion as to when Williams retired, but according to the NFL, the date is July 27. The Dolphins open training camp July 24.


It would be difficult to imagine anyone holding it against Williams if he doesn't show up until July 28.


Steinberg said he has been in contact with Williams in the past months, and recently said Williams was "excited" about the idea of returning.


Now he seems certain.


There is still a matter of $8.6 million the Dolphins say Williams owes them for breach of contract, but both sides have ample time to negotiate a new deal.


Williams left the NFL and spent most of the past year studying holistic health and yoga in California and India.


After attending the California College of Ayurveda, where he studied to be a Holistic Heath practitioner from October through March, Williams left for India, where he spent a month studying yoga at the world-renowned Sivananda Yoga Center.


Williams now is a certified yoga teacher.


Steinberg said both institutions are opposed to using drugs or alcohol to alter consciousness.


Williams returned to the United States three weeks ago and began expressing an interest in returning to football. He has lost weight and is now between 195 and 200 pounds, but Steinberg said Williams plans on being ready for the upcoming season.


"I've been in constant contact with Ricky," Steinberg said. "He's in great shape. Yoga is very strenuous. Yoga gets you in shape.


"He may be at 200 now, but he's got nine or 10 weeks before camp begins, and he's already started lifting weights. I'm sure he'll be back at 220 to 230."