That may sound harsh, but as the saying goes “the punishment fits the crime.” The Miami Dolphins deserve to be disbanded after Tuesday’s report that the franchise tampered with then-Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.
Investigator Mary Jo White was hired to look into allegations of tanking by the Dolphins in 2019. The investigation stemmed from former Miami head coach Brian Flores’ lawsuit filed against the Dolphins, New York Giants, Denver Broncos and the NFL back in February. Flores cited racial discrimination displayed during his interview process for vacant head coaching jobs this past offseason. Additionally, Flores alleged that the Dolphins owner, Stephen Ross, incentivized Flores to intentionally lose games during the 2019 season in order to improve Miami’s draft position in 2020.
The findings of White’s investigation were summarized by Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio. The following excerpts were taken from Florio’s article.
Tampering in New England
“The Dolphins had impermissible communications with quarterback Tom Brady in 2019-20, while he was under contract to the New England Patriots,” the league said in a statement. “Those communications began as early as August 2019 and continued throughout the 2019 season and postseason. These numerous and detailed discussions were conducted by Mr. Beal, who in turn kept Mr. Ross and other Dolphins executives informed of his discussions with Mr. Brady.
Back in August 2019, Brady and the Patriots agreed on a new two-year, $70 million contract extension. The deal included the option for Brady to become a free agent following the 2019 season. Ultimately, the contract was viewed as a slap in the face to the greatest quarterback the NFL has ever seen.
At the time, the Patriots had just come off a sixth Super Bowl title, though their strong defense and running game guided the team that postseason more than Brady’s passing game. Brady had just turned 42 at the time of the new contract. Bill Belichick opted not to make a long-term commitment to the quarterback he’d coached for the last 20 years.
The 2019 Pats exploded to an 8-0 start before going .500 the rest of the season. They finished the regular season at 12-4, earning the #3 seed in the AFC playoffs. Matched up against the Titans at home on Wild Card Weekend, the Pats fell to Tennessee 20-13 in Brady’s last game in a New England uniform. Brady opted to become a free agent following the season, and signed a two-year $50 million fully guaranteed contract with Tampa Bay.
Tampering in Tampa
After missing out on Brady during free agency in March 2020, the Dolphins couldn’t leave well enough alone. Ross continued to tamper with Brady after he joined the Bucs. White’s report continues, finding that:
“The Dolphins again had impermissible communications with both Mr. Brady and his agent during and after the 2021 season, while he was under contract to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Those discussions began no later than early December 2021 and focused on Mr. Brady becoming a limited partner in the Dolphins and possibly serving as a football executive, although at times they also included the possibility of his playing for the Dolphins. Both Messrs. Ross and Beal were active participants in these discussions.
I’ll be honest, I couldn’t care less about this instance of tampering. I liken Brady on the Bucs to The Godfather III. A fine, Oscar-nominated film in its own right, but it fails to hold a candle to its two predecessors. Tampa Bay Brady is the The Godfather III. Yeah, they won a Super Bowl, but everyone would’ve been more than fine had the two separate Hall of Fame resumes he amassed while in New England.
My larger point is the persistent, loser mentality displayed by the Miami Dolphins over the three-year span documented in this report. It’s completely understandable, as Miami went a measly 7-15 against Brady’s Patriots since Ross bought the team in 2009. They only reached the playoffs three times in the 20 seasons that the Patriots trotted Brady out under center. I appreciate the jealously, but with that comes a price. The only reasonable solution I see is to saw off Hard Rock Stadium (a la Bugs Bunny) and let the Dolphins drift off into the sea, never to bee seen again.
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