Ricky Williams, 27, who recently retired from the Miami Dolphins, would only play for the Oakland Raiders if he decided to return to the NFL, Sports Illustrated reported Wednesday.

Williams, who officially filed retirement papers earlier this week, said playing for the Raiders "is the only way I would" consider a comeback, Sports Illustrated reported. "It would be great. I'd love it."

Williams told Sports Illustrated that he likes the idea of playing for Oakland 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, Sports Illustrated reported.

Turner called the plays when Williams rushed for 1,853 yards with the Dolphins in 2002.

Williams, a native of San Diego, told Sports Illustrated: "I love Cali." Only in California, 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," he told Sports Illustrated.

However, Williams' NFL rights belong to the Dolphins, to whom Williams is under contract for another two seasons. Miami traded two first-round draft picks to acquire Williams from the New Orleans Saints after the 2001 season and undoubtedly would be interested in recouping at least part of that initial investment, Sports Illustrated reported.

Tampering rules prohibit Raiders officials from commenting on the club's interest in Williams, but running back is not one of Oakland's stronger positions. Turner likes a power running attack, which is right up Williams' alley.

Further complicating the situation is the possible suspension Williams faces for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, Sports Illustrated reported. 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. He declined to comment further.

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