The Miami Dolphins released former starting linebacker Channing Crowder before the start of the 2011 season, a move that surprised a lot of people. Crowder had proven over the years just how valuable he was to the team, with the defense consistently improving with his presence. However, he was constantly a frustration for Miami fans, wanting to see Crowder start making big, impact plays. Instead, the Dolphins turned to Kevin Burnett to team with Karlos Dansby in the middle of the linebacking corps.
And, Crowder was not shy in his criticism of the team, clearly stating that, despite his "retirement" from the game, he planned to play again in 2012. He also said that, if things changed in Miami, he would return to the team.
Now, the team has completely gutted the coaching staff, firing former head coach Tony Sparano and bringing in Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin. And, with that change, speculation that Crowder would return to Miami slowly started to build.
Until Crowder shot it all down today.
According to an NFL.com report, Crowder is planning his return next year, but will not entertain the idea of coming back to the Dolphins.
"I wouldn't go on a team with Jeff Ireland. I'm not very confident in him," said Crowder, who has been hosting his Miami-based radio show from Indy all week. "He doesn't know what he's doing in my opinion. He's real disrespectful, he doesn't know how to deal with people and the whole Dez Bryant [situation] kind of showed to the world what he's about, but guys in the building know what he's really about."
So, for all of the Jeff Ireland haters, you can at least confirm that Ireland prevented Crowder from joining the team. Remember, Ireland asked Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant if his mom was a prostitute, after the then draft prospect said his dad had been a pimp, and his mom worked for his dad. The story leaked, and the media and fans, both of the Dolphins and around the league, blasted Ireland for his improper question. Ireland later apologized for it.
"He's not a good person," Crowder continued. "He has no class, and I wouldn't choose to go back and play there. And I would have to say it's the only team I don't want to play for."
So, Crowder's days in a Dolphins uniform ended back in 2010. Now, he has to hope another team will take a chance on a solid linebacker, who isn't afraid of talking to the media, and hates the Dolphins. Too bad Tony Sparano went to the New York Jets, because Crowder might fit in perfectly there.