India-bound Williams gives Dolphins a call

DAVIE, Fla. -- Ricky Williams phoned the Miami Dolphins this week, but said his next destination will be India, not a return to the NFL.

The retired running back contacted coach Dave Wannstedt several days ago, sources close to the coach said Thursday. But Williams told The Miami Herald he has no plans to come back anytime soon.

His conversation with Wannstedt was their first since Williams called the week before training camp with the stunning news he was retiring.

Prompting the latest call was a letter the Dolphins sent Williams last week seeking to recoup $8.6 million in bonuses paid to him.

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

Even if the 27-year-old Williams wanted to return, he faces a suspension for the entire 2004 season for violating the NFL drug policy. He has acknowledged testing positive for marijuana three times.