PHINPHOURLIFE
SUPERSTAR
Ricky Williams' return to the Miami Dolphins has been put on hold until agent Leigh Steinberg can hammer out monetary terms with the team, according to The Miami Herald.
The Herald reports that Williams, who abruptly retired before last season, does not want to play for the league minimum of $540,000 and is asking for $3.7 million in base salary. And that difference could have a big impact on whether Williams is with the team by late July when the Dolphins begin training camp.
But the $3.7 million figure is well beyond what the Dolphins can support with the salary cap, and Williams will not return until a fair compromise is worked out.
"I don't see Ricky playing for that ($540,000) figure," Steinberg said.
The Herald spoke with several attorneys about the language in Williams' contract, which was renegotiated in 2002, and their opinions were mixed. Two attorneys said the Dolphins owe Williams $3.7 million. Two feel the team could pay him the $540,000, and one suggested that arbitration might be the best solution simply because there is room for debate on both sides.
The NFL players association, meanwhile, said the union would defend Williams' contract if the case goes to arbitration. But Dolphins' vice president Bryan Wiedmeier, who oversees player contract negotiations, refused to discuss the situation.
Training camp is tentatively set to begin July 24. But Williams faces a one-year suspension if he returns prior to the 27th. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello reiterated the one-year suspension rule, but sources told The Herald the league is expected to forgive Williams a few days if he is cooperative
oh boy here we go again
The Herald reports that Williams, who abruptly retired before last season, does not want to play for the league minimum of $540,000 and is asking for $3.7 million in base salary. And that difference could have a big impact on whether Williams is with the team by late July when the Dolphins begin training camp.
But the $3.7 million figure is well beyond what the Dolphins can support with the salary cap, and Williams will not return until a fair compromise is worked out.
"I don't see Ricky playing for that ($540,000) figure," Steinberg said.
The Herald spoke with several attorneys about the language in Williams' contract, which was renegotiated in 2002, and their opinions were mixed. Two attorneys said the Dolphins owe Williams $3.7 million. Two feel the team could pay him the $540,000, and one suggested that arbitration might be the best solution simply because there is room for debate on both sides.
The NFL players association, meanwhile, said the union would defend Williams' contract if the case goes to arbitration. But Dolphins' vice president Bryan Wiedmeier, who oversees player contract negotiations, refused to discuss the situation.
Training camp is tentatively set to begin July 24. But Williams faces a one-year suspension if he returns prior to the 27th. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello reiterated the one-year suspension rule, but sources told The Herald the league is expected to forgive Williams a few days if he is cooperative
oh boy here we go again
