updated 7:17 p.m. ET Aug. 3, 2004

NEW YORK - Ricky Williams filed retirement papers with the NFL that probably will prevent him from playing this season, even if he changes his mind about quitting.

The Miami Dolphins were informed Monday that the papers were filed with the NFL Management Council on Williams’ behalf late last week. Last month, a week before the start of training camp, he told the Dolphins that he had decided to retire at 27.

The papers aren’t binding. But because Williams was in the league’s substance abuse program, he can’t return for one year without penalty. Williams has said he’s a three-time offender in the program, meaning the penalty would be an indefinite suspension that would prohibit him from playing this season.

Williams told The Miami Herald last week he failed a marijuana test for the third time.

By filing the retirement papers, he’s no longer subject to drug testing by the NFL. The Dolphins receive immediate salary-cap credit for the running back’s $3.6 million base salary this season.

Williams has told the Herald his desire to continue smoking marijuana played a role in his decision to retire after five pro seasons. Shortly before telling the Dolphins he was through playing, Williams said, he learned he failed a drug test for the third time since joining the team and faced a possible four-game suspension.

Williams rushed for 3,225 yards in two seasons with Miami.

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