Ricky tells Dolphins he’s off to India

Thursday, Aug. 26, 2004 | 9:37 a.m.

SUN WIRE REPORTS

Retired running back Ricky Williams says he contacted the Miami Dolphins this week at the request of his agent but has no plans to rejoin the team anytime soon.

Williams didn't rule out a return but made it clear that given his contract and the state of the coaching staff, "It's not in my best interests to play football right now," he told the Miami Herald in a story published Wednesday night on the newpaper's Web site.

Williams has acknowledged testing positive for marijuana three times, which means he likely wouldn't be allowed to play this season, even if he decided to come out of retirement.

Williams is in Australia and said he plans to travel to India soon for a "couple of months." He said he contacted the Dolphins after they sent him a letter last week seeking repayment of $8.6 million by Monday.

"I didn't call them to see if I could come back. I was just causing a conversation to happen," Williams said. "They sent me the letter and (my agent) told me it's in my best interests to call them."

Asked if he was prepared to pay the money back or return to the team by Monday, Williams said, "That's really up to the Dolphins about the money. ... This whole thing gets crazier by the day."