Williams seeks reinstatement

New York – Ricky Williams, the former NFL standout who played in Canada last season after being suspended for a year for substance abuse, has applied for reinstatement. Williams’ agent, Leigh Steinberg, said the running back, who will turn 30 in May, had sent a letter asking that he be allowed to return to the Miami Dolphins.

The NFL confirmed that Williams had sought reinstatement, for which he will be eligible after April 27, when he will have been suspended for a year. Dolphins spokesman Harvey Greene said the team had no comment because Williams is not yet eligible for reinstatement.

Williams, a former Heisman Trophy winner at Texas, was originally drafted by New Orleans when then-coach Mike Ditka gave up all his picks in the 1999 draft to get his rights. He was traded to Miami for two first-round draft picks after the 2001 season.

Player council named

New York – NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has established a six-member council of veteran players to advise him on a variety of issues, including player conduct.

The council includes players union president Troy Vincent. It will meet regularly with Goodell and Gene Upshaw, the executive director of the NFL Players Association, to talk about a variety of issues, including player safety, health issues and competition.

The group includes Vincent, currently a free agent, along with safety Donovin Darius of Jacksonville; fullback Tony Richardson of Minnesota; center Jeff Saturday of Indianapolis; linebacker Takeo Spikes of Philadelphia; and wide receiver James Thrash of Washington.

Carr, Panthers agree

A month after he was released by the Houston Texans, David Carr agreed Friday to a two-year deal to play for the Carolina Panthers. Carr, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2002 draft, will serve as Jake Delhomme’s backup.

Carr was a five-year starter for the expansion Texans. He completed 60 percent of his passes, but threw 65 interceptions and was sacked 249 times. Carr completed a career-high 68.3 percent of his passes last season, but was released by the Texans.