SI:Williams says he'd 'love' to return in 2005 with the Raiders

[Num58]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200...ike/index.html

Coming back in Silver and Black?

Ricky Williams was in Oakland last weekend, visiting his twin sister, Cassie, and enjoying the first week of the rest of his life. He had a wonderful time, and experienced absolutely zero regrets that he wasn't at the Miami Dolphins' training camp. Now here's the interesting part: Williams likes Oakland so much, he expressed the desire to play there in 2005. According to the 27-year-old halfback, who officially filed retirement papers with the NFL earlier this week, playing for the Raiders is "the only way I would" consider a comeback."It would be great," he said. "I'd love it."

In an interview conducted via America Online's instant-messenger service, Williams likes the idea of wearing the silver-and-black uniform as soon as next summer. He cited the team's offensive line and the presence of coach Norv Turner, his offensive coordinator the previous two seasons in Miami, as elements that make the Raiders attractive. Turner, after all, called the plays when Williams had his monster season in 2002, leading the NFL with 1,853 rushing yards.

Williams, a native of San Diego, also gave another reason for wanting to play in Oakland: "I love Cali." Only in the Golden State, Williams believes, can his unconventional sensibilities be accepted, and nowhere more than in the Raider Nation, a land inhabited by "crazy fans who would expect a weirdo."

Such a move would not be entirely up to Williams, of course. His NFL rights belong to the Dolphins, for whom Williams is under contract for another two seasons. Miami traded a pair of first-round draft picks to acquire Williams from the New Orleans Saints following the 2001 season and undoubtedly would be interested in recouping at least part of that initial investment.

Would the Raiders be interested? League tampering rules prevent Oakland officials from discussing such a scenario, but a look at the Raiders' roster suggests they could use a premier back. With Charlie Garner having left for Tampa Bay, the team lists 32-year-old Tyrone Wheatley, who gained 678 rushing yards in 2003, atop its depth chart. Second-year back Justin Fargas and veteran offseason pickups Troy Hambrick and Amos Zereoue are also competing for jobs and playing time. Turner, like owner Al Davis, has long been a proponent of a power running attack, and Williams obviously fits that mold.

Further complicating the situation is the possible suspension Williams faces for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. Williams reportedly would have had to pay a $650,000 fine this season for having twice tested positive for marijuana; last week he told the Miami Herald that he had been notified of a third positive test, which would cost him a four-game suspension.

It's also unclear whether Williams would want more money should he return to the league. According to an NFL source who is friendly with Williams, the halfback, who was due to make $3.5 million in 2004, sought an upgraded deal from Miami after last season but balked at what he deemed to have been an underwhelming offer.

For now, Williams is intent upon enjoying his time away from football. He was in Huntington Beach, Calif., earlier this week and planned to fly to Asia for an extended vacation. He was also contemplating visiting Athens for the Olympics. Asked to sum up his current state of mind, Williams replied, "Every man thinks his burden is the heaviest, but he who feels it knows it. Burden equals truth."

[Mr. Blonde]

Ricky, Ricky, Ricky

[Takkie58]

i would go for it if i were Al, if he can make sure ricky is devoted to football. no point bringing in a guy who just doesnt care. but if he's focused, he would be a perfect fit, remember that the guy was the leading rusher of the NFL a while back, he's a bruising, workhorse back which is exactly what we need, and he's only 27.

[RaiderRef]

Wooo hooooo, that would be awesome. But won't one of the idiots in our devision pick up his rights like the Dolts did with Deon Sanders? And then try to trade him to us for some rediculous price. Maybe we can just trade someone or a draft pick and a years supply of southbeach gonja to keep Ricky happy. Hey I don't care if he smokes this is a good fit for him here in O town. Or should I call it Oaksterdam we do afterall still have a few smoke shops left that he could get his pot from.

[RaiderInNY]

All i have to say is this...especially hearing others comments in other threads:
Ill take him now and while smoking between each quarter of each game over any of the duds we have! Lets be honest, with Ricky now, we would be a legit contender, masking alot of our deficits with a powerful running game and O-line!

I didnt hear any of YOU folks killing him bitching, complaining, or even whining about Ricky Williams when he was pounding away 1500 yards and producing like not to many other backs in the entire NFL!

NO ONE said a DaMM Thing! Now he is a malcontent, pot smoking nothing? I DOUBT THAT VERY MUCH!


Probably the same people who bitched and complained about Warren Sapp being OVERRRATED, DONE, not the SAME PLayer, a guy who doesnt fit th RAIDER MOLD...etc...yada, yada, yada...

And now, lone and behold...who is a Raider?


I'll start digging up all the old posts about Warren Sapp now to throw it in those people's faces! Matter of fact, i'll dig up all those Ricky Williams pot smoker and he's a bad influence posts as well....

[silvernblack10]

Man, i was hoping it was this season.

My excitement has been nullified

[Raidahs7]

let him take a year off, get all the pot smokin in he can and yes I would sign him up in '05

[Guru]

I'd love him in Silver and Black! Except not on his old Phin Contract of $3mil a year...I'd sign him to a small one year deal-to see if he can still run and hold a ball at the same time after all the weed he's been smokin!

[AnDroiDRaider64]

Do it Al, make the Raider Nation and a pothead happy

[raiderman-24]

Godfather, if you're reading this please, please go after Ricky!! We can get him some of that great No Cal bud and keep him happy with some weekend trips to Humboldt
county. On the serious side, this would be a great fit and i also agree with the earlier post about giving him a one year deal to make sure he's serious first.
Smoke weed, it's good for your back!!!

[omorales81]

Ricky's gonna be a Raidah. Read his essay at Good and Bad Knowledge Online:

http://www.freewebs.com/goodknowledge/featureditem.htm

Funny stuff. Can't wait to see him act on his words. Go Raiders!