NFL Notebook: Williams begins his NFL return

Running back Ricky Williams reported to Miami Dolphins training camp yesterday morning, nearly one year to the day after he told the team he was retiring from football.
Williams, driving a blue sport utility vehicle, arrived at the team's training facility around 8:45 a.m. He did not comment to reporters waiting outside the complex. The team's first formal training-camp media availability is scheduled for today.
The 2002 NFL rushing champion decided to seek reinstatement after sitting out last season, saying at the time he'd lost the urge to continue playing. - NFL Football -
Williams faces a four-game suspension at the start of the season for violating the league's substance abuse program, yet likely will be able to play in preseason games.
Williams acknowledged shortly after retiring that he failed drug tests and faced a suspension for testing positive three times for marijuana. - NFL Football -
Williams rushed for 3,225 yards and 25 touchdowns in two seasons with the Dolphins. He informed former coach Dave Wannstedt of his retirement plans last July 23, one week before the start of training camp -- a move that stunned teammates, and played a role in Miami's downward spiral. The Dolphins were 4-12 last season.
A court later found the 1998 Heisman Trophy winner in breach of contract by retiring, and ordered him to repay the team $8.6 million. - NFL Football -
The team has not yet sought to collect the settlement, and new coach Nick Saban offered Williams another chance to play for the Dolphins. - NFL Football -
More Dolphins - NFL Football -
Rookies Matt Roth and Kevin Vickerson agreed to deals yesterday, leaving former Auburn running back Ronnie Brown as the team's only unsigned draft pick going into the first training camp practice. Brown, the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, is waiting to sign after top choice Alex Smith reaches an agreement with the San Francisco 49ers.
Bears - NFL Football -
Chicago signed quarterback Kyle Orton, a three-year starter at Purdue, to a four-year contract. Orton, a fourth-round draft pick, was considered a Heisman Trophy candidate until his abdominal muscle was torn midway through the season. Orton completed 58.8 percent of his passes for 9,337 yards and 63 touchdowns with 28 interceptions at Purdue. He had seven 300-yard passing games, including one 500-yard game and two 400-yard games.

The Associated Press