Weekend Roundup
by Matty I on May 19, 2008 12:03 AM EDT
in News
40 comments
I hope you all had a great weekend. Here's what you may have missed while you kept busy the past couple of days:
JASON TAYLOR UPDATE
Tonight Jason Taylor will compete in the finals of Dancing With The Stars. Yesterday, as "dolfanstanley" pointed out in this diary, Taylor was interview by ESPN for a "Sunday Conversation." You can watch this interview right here. The two most interesting tidbits from this are as follows.
When asked about the perception that some fans have about Taylor skipping OTAs and the offseason workout program, Taylor had this to say:
"I'll guarantee you this: I’m in 5 times better shape right now than I was the year I won Defensive Player of the Year."
Then when asked how he thought he'd be remembered 10 years from now, either as an actor or a football player, Taylor responded:
"Well I hope more for acting."
So let's discuss this for a second. First, as far as missing the workout program and missing OTAs, I think the interviewer missed the boat. It's not that Taylor won't be in great shape. We all knew he would be. Instead, the interviewer should have asked Taylor how he can be considered the leader of the team while he goes out and dances. Or, more importantly, how can the best player on the team not be around the facility when a new defensive scheme is being installed by a new coaching staff and front office. That's more of what I'm concerned with than whether or not Taylor is in shape.
As far as Taylor saying he's hoping to be remembered in 10 years more for being an actor, I'm disappointed. I'm disappointed because that's not sending the right message to the team. It also sends the wrong message to the fans. However, in all actuality, Taylor is simply using common sense. In 10 years, Taylor probably thinks he will be an actor. So of course he'd be more remembered as an actor because he'd actually still have an active career while his football career is in the past. But man, it sure is a little disappointing (as a Dolphins fan) to hear those words come out of his mouth.
It's also disappointing to read the following quote about how he's disappointed that he hasn't heard from Bill Parcells of Jeff Ireland much, which comes from this interview with the USA Today:
"I've talked to Parcells and Jeff Ireland probably less than a minute each. If you're working in an organization, you want to have respect and communication throughout. I think that's important for everybody. So we'll see."
Seriously, Jason? Really? You want to talk about respect? I won't even get into how completely ridiculous it is for Taylor to say that. All I'll say is that I hope Taylor really isn't that dumb and does realize that Bill and Jeff aren't talking to him because it's Taylor disrespecting the Dolphins organization by dancing instead of being the leader of this team (which is even hard to say anymore...sadly).
But with the show's conclusion on Tuesday, Taylor will soon be heading back to Miami. However, it won't be all too soon. Taylor will apparently head to New York to be on Wednesday's edition of both Good Morning America and Live with Regis and Kelly. That's also the next day of OTAs for the Dolphins, with the first full-team mini-camp beginning on Friday. So will Taylor ever make his way back to Miami? Only time will tell.
DOLPHINS ADD VETERAN GUARD
We all knew that some kind of veteran offensive lineman who can play both guard and center would soon be signed by Miami following the release of Drew Mormino, and that lineman is Steve McKinney.
The Houston Chronicle is reporting that the Dolphins will add Steve McKinney, who most recently played with the Texans. And yes, he is related to former Dolphin lineman Seth McKinney. Steve is Seth's older brother.
McKinney comes to Miami on a one year deal and will likely provide depth at both guard and center for the Dolphins. It's important to note, though, that McKinney is coming off of a torn ACL that he suffered in week 3 last season and that he is 32 years old. But he's experienced and can play both the guard and center position.
About the signing, McKinney told the Houston Chronicle:
"It's hard for me to leave Houston because this is my home, but I think Miami is a good opportunity for me. They've got a new group, a good organization, and I think they're going to turn it around pretty quick."
"They said they want to put their five best linemen on the field. I can play guard or center. They've got a lot of young linemen, and I think I can help because of my experience."
I do like the signing because he does bring a ton of experience. He started all but 4 games in his first 4 seasons, which were in Indianapolis. And in total, he brings 133 games of starting experience to a very young and inexperienced offensive line. If McKinney can stay healthy, this signing is definitely a solid move by this staff.
Thoughts on any of this below...
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Vote for JT
VOTE for JT Monday during competition!
Too much has been made of him being away – this is all still good publicity for the Fins and yet everyone in Mami is way too negative on the whole deal.
—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-
Vote for JT tonight. Remember a vote for JT is a vote for our Fins. Dallas fans pushed Emmitt to a Finals victory and SF fans nearly pushed Jerry Rice to a victory (came in second and not nearly deserving finishing ahead of the hottie, Stacy Keibler).
Besides, you can bet Bills, Jets, and Patsies will be voting for Kristy Yamaguchi just to counter our votes. This is the start of the big Fins turnaround in 2008!!!!!
1- 800-868-3402
by coloradokevin on May 19, 2008 12:47 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I can careless
about JT until hes back on the football field and then I will root for him like before. Until then JT is out of sight out of mind…....I will not talk about JT again unless he is traded or on the field working with his teamates. Until then good bye JT.
by jvw on May 19, 2008 12:57 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
an actor, did he really say actor
wow!!! talk about super-star itis!!! the guy is a great football player. he has an opportunity to play a few more years, make a ton of money playing football, and cement a football legacy and he wants to be remembered as an actor. talk about putting the hobby in front of the career… Jason all i’m going to say after watching your DWtS work…best of luck cause george washingtons teeth show more emotional range…
btw: lighten up and get back into camp. sheeze
by W NY Fins Fan on May 19, 2008 3:26 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
in his defense
of saying being an actor. you have to consider the audience that watches football and would recognize jason taylor the miami dolphin… and the audience that would watch a movie and would recognize him as jason taylor the actor.
either way.. i agree that he should lighten up and get into camp already.
by fishstick on May 19, 2008 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i didn't think of this
but maybe when he say ‘actor’ we all think hollywood, but it’s possible he could become bitter over things out of his control, retire early, move to italy and become an italian movie star…. but then again JT may be closer to the boz then MMH.
by W NY Fins Fan on May 19, 2008 11:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good Luck
2NITE Jt…...Im rooting for you i probably will forget its on but i hope you win… Then you can come back down here and cont. to beat the $h!t out of AFC east QB’s for a couple more years. I new like alot of others you would be in excellant shape, thats awsome
go get em Champ!!!!
What happend to the Killer BEEs
by FinfanT on May 19, 2008 7:59 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Thank God...
...this will soon be over one way or the other.
In December, before Parcells signed on as the head honcho (January), Taylor inked a contract to do ‘Dancing’. This was not insurrection or disrespect for the Dolphins, in my estimation. What would you have him do? Quit ‘Dancing’? Not in his nature. This thing has been blown beyond all natural proportion and largely media driven. You are, of course correct, Matty, that being in shape is not the crux of the matter, rather team esprit and the appearance of leadership.
Parcells may pout all he wishes and even make an example of Taylor for not being a leader, but when it comes down to it, Taylor IS the leading player on the roster in more ways than one and once he returns – as all public pronouncements by both men seem to indicate – his teammates will acknowlege it.. He is an unbelievable asset to the team and Parcells should have figured out a way to embrace Taylor even in spite of his prior commitment.
Parcells would be a moron to release Taylor or trade for insufficient compensation, and we know he isn’t a moron. So, I’m sure he’ll find a way to welcome JT back and still make the points he wants to make.
And I think there will be plenty of time for JT to familiarize himself with any new defensive schemes and/or terminology – he’s a bright guy, unlike some of the so-called fans who’ll for no reason turn on a fantastic player faster than a quick-step quick-step.
by Yorke Hunt on May 19, 2008 8:23 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Again, the point is being missed.
Why is everyone saying Parcells is pouting or mistreating Jason Taylor? Has not all of the “complaining” that has come out in public been attributed to “people close to Jason Taylor”? Is Parcells pouting because he is not talking to the press at the OTA’s? No. He is purposely staying out of the media because that is the one part he does not like to deal with.
So, we know that the HEAD COACH Tony Sparano has been in contact with JT.He is part of the “administration”. Or is JT’s ego not satisfied enough with ONLY the Head Coach being in contact with him, and that he needs the GM AND the Executive VP in Charge of Football Operations to be in contact with him too? I don’t know those answers. It just to me “seems” that JT is being unreasonable if he is expecting the entire organization to support him in his non-football endeavors when there is football going on. Especially someone like Bill Parcells.
Again, I love JT as a football player and Miami Dolphin. I could care less about his post-football career. I wish him the best at it though, as I would anyone who is chasing a dream in their life. However, judging only from what has been leaked to the press, and mainly by Jason Cole, who seems to be saying that its coming from people close to JT, it seems to me that all of the “complaining” is being done by the guy who has chosen to be elsewhere, instead of with his team. I understand that the commitment may have been made prior to Parcells being here, which is even more of a reason for JT to understand that everyone is not happy with him not being here. Which is fine, but then don’t complain if everyone else isn’t happy with your decision.
by dab415217 on May 19, 2008 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
exactly right about
the complaining, and when you include the fact that he then schedule’s some golf tourney right after the dancing that oddly occurs at the same time as the first mandatory practice…. hmm.. who is being the leader now.
by W NY Fins Fan on May 20, 2008 12:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nothing is mandatory
until June for veterans.
by Yorke Hunt on May 20, 2008 8:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yea but I'd bet he'd be...
...the only veteran missing this weekend’s mini-camp if he doesn’t show up. How would that look? He’s supposed to be the leader.
by Matty I on May 20, 2008 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess today's news makes it moot
but I thought the golf tourney was for the june mini and this weekend is his vegas party…
by W NY Fins Fan on May 21, 2008 10:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not again
Please, you’ve stirred this pot one too many times. It’s boring! What Jason Taylor does on his own time is none of our business. And yeah, I do think it’s pretty lame for a new administration to not spend more than a couple of minutes reaching out to their top player – a guy, by the way, who has done more for this organization than any of them so far! It’s petty bullshit and Parcells should be above it. You don’t motivate a guy like this by giving him the cold shoulder. It’s amazing how quickly you people abandon your loyalties. And his comment about 10 years from now only means that he hopes to have a career after football that is memorable. What’s wrong with that?!
by ZIM on May 19, 2008 8:33 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
And what loyalty does Parcells have to JT?
None that I am aware of. Bill Parcells should nt have to reachout to JT. Parcells is here to rebuild a football franchise, not make sure that his star player twinkletoes his way to a Hollywood career.
Lets see what loyalty brought us: Well, first I think of Jimmy Johnson’s loyalty to Dave Wannstedt, whose loyalty promptly ran Dan Marino out of town, and ran this franchise into the ground.
I don’t want loyalty from Parcells. I want him to build my team into a winner again. Frankly, once JT gets here and starts playing and leading I’m sure parcells will take the time to talk to him. Besides, Sparano is the Head Coach and he’s the one who should be dealing with the players. And that’s what he is doing.
by dab415217 on May 19, 2008 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
"It’s amazing how quickly you people abandon your loyalties."
Loyalty? I’m loyal to the Miami Dolphins and no one player is more important than the team.
by Matty I on May 19, 2008 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Way over reacting
Of course 10 years from now Jason wants to be remembered more as an actor because if he isn’t he won’t be very good; now will he? I must also side with ZIM. Who has done more for the Dolphins and the City of Miami; Jason Taylor or Bill and company? I wish him well and will never understand why the Club and the NFL have turned a cold shoulder to Jason in this. Oh, yeah thats right, we wouldn’t want to take anything away from the cheaters and Billy boy now would we. Come on Jason break a leg!!!!!!
by gafinfan on May 19, 2008 9:24 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Last thing I'll say on the JT subject.
Jason, I’ll tell you the same thing I tell my 85 yr old Grandmother who complains that I don’t call her enough:
“Last time I checked, the phones work both ways. I can call you AND you can call me too.”
Communication is two-way. I’d love to ask JT, “Have you picked up the phone and tried to call Parcells & Ireland?” if not, stop complaining about it. I’ve always been taught that if there is an issue, go to te person and speak about it. Then again, I don’t have the mentality of being a multi-million dollar athlete.
Most things in life are pretty simple until we add in our attitudes and conditioned responses.
Mckinney signing I like. At one time, this guy was pretty good. If he can get healthy, I’m pretty sure he’ll be a starter. Even if one of the young guys plays well enough to beat him out, he’ll still bring veteran leadership and depth along the line.
by dab415217 on May 19, 2008 10:27 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
How about a personal visit?
dabnumbers, you say, "Have you picked up the phone and tried to call Parcells & Ireland?"
He went one better and went to find Parcells on his recent visit to the Dolphins facility. When JT entered the room, Parcells turned his back on him without a word. (This is how it was reported.) So, your point about the phones and communication is flaccid.
by Yorke Hunt on May 19, 2008 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you heard what Chris Mortensen reported...
...and we all know Parcells feeds him info, you’d know that JT just stuck his head into a room where they were watching tape and said something to the effect “I hope you’re not watching tape on DEs.” I don’t know about you, but that’s not communication in my book. He didn’t walk up to Parcells or go to his office and say “Hey Bill, can I talk to you for a minute?”
C’mon now, you can’t honestly count that as communication or JT trying to reach out to Parcells. If anything, I’d consider it a sarcastic comment by JT.
by dab415217 on May 19, 2008 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dude, your
Grandmother is 85!!!! Cut her some slack. lol
by jvw on May 19, 2008 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
that was the one thing that really stuck out to me also
damn thats harsh
11
y not if im wrong who will remember
by qbinfin on Apr 27, 2008 3:27 PM PDT
by DolfinPhan on May 19, 2008 6:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just be glad....
Most of us who no longer have a grandmother living would be all too happy just to hear her voice once again that it wouldn’t matter whether it’s just to nag us to call her. ;o)
by Deof Movestofca on May 20, 2008 1:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Vote For Jason Taylor
Call 1800-868-3402 @ 8pm.
Let the healing begin.
www.thephinisher.com
by The Phinisher on May 19, 2008 11:00 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Interesting piece
on JT in People Magazine. The article addressed his return to the locker room and the grief he is expecting to get for doing the dance thing. He said he is expecting the guys to have the article posted in the locker room and is prepared for the jokes. Sounds like a return to the Dolphins. Who cares what BP thinks, as long as he gets the support of his teammates. If his teammates brush it off, thats all that matters in my book.
by Thruthickandt on May 19, 2008 11:07 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I concur.
BP is known for building teams up, but let’s see what he builds in Miami (wins anyone?) before we start trumping him up over JT, a loyal Phin since he got into this league.
11
y not if im wrong who will remember
by qbinfin on Apr 27, 2008 3:27 PM PDT
by DolfinPhan on May 19, 2008 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
JT's comments
So let’s discuss this for a second. First, as far as missing the workout program and missing OTAs, I think the interviewer missed the boat. It’s not that Taylor won’t be in great shape. We all knew he would be. Instead, the interviewer should have asked Taylor how he can be considered the leader of the team while he goes out and dances. Or, more importantly, how can the best player on the team not be around the facility when a new defensive scheme is being installed by a new coaching staff and front office. That’s more of what I’m concerned with than whether or not Taylor is in shape.
JT controls the questions asked. He probably made it clear anything about why he thought it was more important to be dancing then it was to be at camp, JT probably vetoed the question. That would be my guess.
by feelthepain on May 19, 2008 12:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Another thought on this
If there is indeed a rift between JT and management, who do you think the players will support? A Hall of Fame player who is a great guy and gave us some of the few things too cheer for these past few years or the new management team that has been getting ticked off about what he does with his personal life? I bet they’re all thrilled for him and maybe even a bit jealous.
It does not serve the Tuna well to create this kind of angst. Yorke is right: if Parcells had just taken 30 seconds to say hello that day JT popped in then we wouldn’t even be talking about this.
Geez, I didn’t even want to take sides on this, but the constant posts about JT not being a good leader are just ridiculous. Sorry Matty, but I’d just rather read about the X’s and O’s than this soap opera stuff. But I guess I’m a hypocrite because you’ve lured me in! LOL
by ZIM on May 19, 2008 1:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I hear you
But like it or not, this is a big story. And once the season gets closer, we’ll turn to Xs and Os. But for now, this is a very important saga. I’m just as sick of it as the next guy, but he is the supposed “leader” of this team, so we need to break this down until a resolution is reached (Taylor shows up, gets traded, or retires).
by Matty I on May 19, 2008 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Correction
Not just a “great guy,” but NFL Man of the Year. Does that count for anything?
by ZIM on May 19, 2008 1:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
well....
...it does count for something. Unfortunately, winning the “man of the year” award doesn’t do anything on the field.
And that’s really where I, as a fan, put all of my emphasis. I want to win. Period.
by Matty I on May 19, 2008 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
man
just saying winning, period is a little harsh. jason taylor has been a great dolphin for so long, and at least he isnt holding out like strahan did last year, and that seemed to work out ok
of course everyone wants him in camp, but he is missing OTAs, which arent mandatory
he will be ready, and him dominating on the field will lead us well enough….and everyone calls the nfl a buisness, the admins use the players, and the players try to get the money they can…missing OTAs will help out jason’s career alot with his success in dancing.
it is a rough situation though, prob could of been handled better by both parties
i take your signatures and use them as away messages
by ihavebadknees on May 19, 2008 10:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
JT...
Has done more on the field than any player currently on the roster. We all know this. It is shameful to cast aside the team’s best player for the the supposed (it isn’t even confirmed) dissatisfaction of Bill Parcells.
As far as his leadership role… I’m tired of this. He has always lead this team while on the field. Not off.
He isn’t a vocal leader like Joey Porter is. He is a watch me and do as I do type leader and he will continue to do that well.
You guys want a leader? Then pray that one of the quarterbacks learns to walk and talk on the field and in the huddle and not just in interviews with Joe Rose.
As far as winning goes… Tony “No Bones About It” Sparano has said that he wants JT to win if he’s going to do this.
He even said something to the extent that a “win’s a win” or something like that.
And the last and most important thing of all: The Dolphins need JT.
You can’t run a 3-4 without a guy on the edge getting at least 10 sacks. It’s that simple. You will lose a lot of games in this league running a 3-4 without a true Stud linebacker.
J-Peezy is good and I think he was maligned by fans last year. He isn’t JT though. Not by a long shot.
If you thought last year’s games against the Pats were hard to watch then just try and watch this year’s if they field a team without #99.
In the end I agree with Matty I. I want them to win too.
I just think that this whole deal is absolutely absurd. It means very little whether or not he missed those first few workouts; so long as he’s back soon and on the roster.
What matters is how he plays when the pads go on. Nothing tells me he’ll be anything but exceptional once they do. Nothing.
www.thephinisher.com
by The Phinisher on May 19, 2008 2:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I urge ya'll to....
check this out, for some comic releif on the situation.
http://www.profootballtalk.com/category/media/pic-of-the-day/
by YatilGinnJr on May 19, 2008 5:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
JT
I think that when JT is planting QBs in the Marlin infield “Dancing” will seem miles away. He is a true competitor and one of the good guys in the league. I don’t think BP has ever searched for words. If JT was in the doghouse, than I think everyone would know, not speculation. I hope he Rumbas on Brady’s face.
Phatfinfan
by phatfinfan on May 19, 2008 5:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
How much fuss was made about this when JT signing for DWTS was first announced?
I don’t recall anyone criticizing JT for an alleged lack of leadership, missing OTAs, or supposedly disrespecting the Dolphins organization until after Parcells signed on, by which time it was too late for him to back out of DWTS without serious breach of contract repercussions. Sure, there were those who were unhappy he was going to be on the show, but the concerns seemed limited more to possible injury/conditioning issues and macho posturing (such as the various “twinkletoes” comments) than anything else. Please excuse this post if if seems a bit rambling, but I’m a bit perplexed by how this subject has taken on such a life of its own (maybe it’s just because it’s the offseason and people are just taking their frustrations for Miami’s poor showing out on the most convenient target?) and am hoping someone might be able to explain the whole phenomenon.
by Deof Movestofca on May 19, 2008 6:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I acn answer that in one simple sentence:
Matty said : We all knew he would be. Instead, the interviewer should have asked Taylor how he can be considered the leader of the team while he goes out and dances. Or, more importantly, how can the best player on the team not be around the facility when a new defensive scheme is being installed by a new coaching staff and front office.
You see how should I put this? Reporters have no balls, yeah that will work just fine.
by Patssuck456 on May 20, 2008 9:32 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
ive been
back and forth on this issue many times. not sure whos side i am on. but considering all the bad apples that the NFL has and that continue to put their names in the news for pulling guns on dudes (uh hem, mr allen), killing dogs, making it rain, assulting police officers, their spouses…the list goes on and on. i think the LEAST of our worries right now is a player our best player, making GOOD news, giving the Dolphins and the NFL GOOD publicity. you think guys that go out on the town drinking and messing around in bars and enjoying the nightlife every night after OTA’s are more dedicated to the game than a veteran defensive player of the year that is in the best shape of his life….i think i just answered my own question. im on JT’s side on this. I hope he stays. there are not too many players like him in this league and certainly not enough MEN in this league like him. he is a great example on and off the field wherever her goes…even on the dance floor.
by dlux2561 on May 20, 2008 10:52 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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