Dolphins wonder if Zach Thomas really wants it
On its face the Dolphins hurt for Zach Thomas when he heroically tried to overcome his migraines for six weeks before going, dragging and screaming, onto the injured reserve list, a move that ended his chances of playing again this season.
But here on this blog we try to look past the makeup on the pig's face and actually stare at the pig: And that's what this is -- a pig wearing makeup.
In fact, in truth, the Dolphins are a little wary of the entire migraines drama for several reasons. They wonder how much Thomas reeaaaalllly wanted to get back on the field this year. They wonder if too much undue influence on Thomas was exerted by his new bride, Maritza. They wonder, frankly, how it is Thomas spent nearly a month and a half battling the migraines after a horrible collision on the Florida turnpike ...
... But Maritza, a tiny gal who was in the same car in the same accident, apparently felt no similar symptoms.
These questions have no answers really. And they are not my questions about Zach because I believe he still wants it. But they are being legitimately asked by some personnel inside the Dolphins organization.
The Dolphins MUST ask themselves these questions because if the answers they come up with paint a player who didn't try his hardest to get back on the field, that must cause them to think long and hard about addressing the middle linebacker spot this offseason.
Now to the questions: Last week at a weekly Miami Touchdown Club luncheon, Thomas admitted that his wife wants him to retire. He admitted she told him not to play the remainder of this year. He also said that Maritza, a pharmacist, did extensive research on his concussion and migraine situation and was seriously concerned about her husband's future well-being.
That makes Maritza a wonderful wife to Zach. But it has got to make the Dolphins crazy.
How else can they feel when a person with such profound influence on a player is constantly telling him to quit? What kind of seeds, the Dolphins must worry, are being planted in Zach's mind? And did that influence cause Thomas to resist coming back this year when the migraines had shrunk to a mere twinge, as Thomas described it to me once?
In Zach's defense, he also said at the Touchdown Club Luncheon that he has no plans to retire because he doesn't want "to out this way."
But despite that public stance, the migraine issue which cannot be confirmed through an MRI or X-Ray is causing the Dolphins to wonder about Thomas. That doesn't mean they don't believe him to be hungry about playing again.
But they are wondering.
But here on this blog we try to look past the makeup on the pig's face and actually stare at the pig: And that's what this is -- a pig wearing makeup.
In fact, in truth, the Dolphins are a little wary of the entire migraines drama for several reasons. They wonder how much Thomas reeaaaalllly wanted to get back on the field this year. They wonder if too much undue influence on Thomas was exerted by his new bride, Maritza. They wonder, frankly, how it is Thomas spent nearly a month and a half battling the migraines after a horrible collision on the Florida turnpike ...
... But Maritza, a tiny gal who was in the same car in the same accident, apparently felt no similar symptoms.
These questions have no answers really. And they are not my questions about Zach because I believe he still wants it. But they are being legitimately asked by some personnel inside the Dolphins organization.
The Dolphins MUST ask themselves these questions because if the answers they come up with paint a player who didn't try his hardest to get back on the field, that must cause them to think long and hard about addressing the middle linebacker spot this offseason.
Now to the questions: Last week at a weekly Miami Touchdown Club luncheon, Thomas admitted that his wife wants him to retire. He admitted she told him not to play the remainder of this year. He also said that Maritza, a pharmacist, did extensive research on his concussion and migraine situation and was seriously concerned about her husband's future well-being.
That makes Maritza a wonderful wife to Zach. But it has got to make the Dolphins crazy.
How else can they feel when a person with such profound influence on a player is constantly telling him to quit? What kind of seeds, the Dolphins must worry, are being planted in Zach's mind? And did that influence cause Thomas to resist coming back this year when the migraines had shrunk to a mere twinge, as Thomas described it to me once?
In Zach's defense, he also said at the Touchdown Club Luncheon that he has no plans to retire because he doesn't want "to out this way."
But despite that public stance, the migraine issue which cannot be confirmed through an MRI or X-Ray is causing the Dolphins to wonder about Thomas. That doesn't mean they don't believe him to be hungry about playing again.
But they are wondering.
posted by Armando Salguero at 10:07 AM
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87 Comments:
wow seriously how are you writing this garbage? everyone knows zach is a warrior if there was anyone in a dolphins uniform on this team that you shouldnt have questions about its zach. the guy has been fighting off injuries for years to play and in the year where concussions are being taken seriously you want the guy to go in and make some scrambled eggs of his brain. seriously how do you have a job
They didn't allow Green to come back, and Zach past history is similar but he just continued to play it sounds like.
It looks like the league is also trying to enforce more control over head injuries too.
This is the guy who played with one arm and that didn't stop him.
I was at the TD club at MLakes and I heard Zach say those things. And I wondered the same things.
I avidly read your work and this blog as I'm out of market...and clearly you are next to this everyday and I clearly am not...
BUT...I am amazed by your thoughts on this and any assertion that this premise holds water...first, we are talking about a guy who virtually lives in a hyperbolic chamber, who relentlessly pursues fitness, game planning and play...who has led by example through the darkest period in this franchise's history...
And because his wife is afraid of further injury, because he was affected in a different way than she was by the accident, now we are going to believe for a moment that Zach is pulling a Roberto Duran "no mas" on us??...
Can buy it...but if you wanted attention to your blog, you certainly should get it with this thinly veiled accusation...
Armando I agree with Carlos. Zach should never be questioned by THIS organization - if he is it just paints a picture of how far from grace this franchise is fallen.
Why should he put his long-term well being at risk for this collection of misfit toys? He is well within his rights, and I'm glad somebody is looking out for him. He's given us years of great play, if the time is right for him to retire then so be it. I'd rather he retire then put his health on the line for what appears to be a struggling, broken and dysfunctional franchise - at least at this point in time.
Carlos, In case you haven't noticed, Armando has a job because he tells us what the Dolphins are thinking and he's about the only one out there that actually knows what they're thinking behind the scenes. You are a lobotimized moron for not seeing that.
Armando, considering Zach's past history of playing with other injuries (other than migraines) and his popularity, people have a hard time accepting your theory. Can you tell us if you have heard things from teamates as well?
This being anywhere near true, The fins would be alienating more people than ever. We watch this substandard product now because of Beck, and the hope that we dont go 0-16. To even insinuate not letting zach go out on his terms would be the proverbial slap in the face to not only him, but the fanbase who has supported Zach. Zach IS a warrior. he has bled for the fins his entire career. One of the best LB's in the game since he was drafted, hands down.
The fins front office has made more poor choices than good by a long shot recently and thinking about not letting Zach go out on his terms would profoundly distance me from this club. This is the same front office who mismanaged Daunte Culpepper, so i wont be too surprised.
armando, i read your blog pretty faithfully and normally believe you do a good job, but come on, this is just about as low as it gets. as others have pointed out, this has been a year when the league has finally begun to take concussions more seriously. so a car collision had more serious effects on the driver, who just happens to be a larger man with a history of concussions? is this really all that surprising? and this generates serious doubts on the dolphins' part regarding zach's desire? and again, is it that surprising that a player at the end of his career has his own thoughts about whether he still wants to play? meanwhile zach's willingness to play through injuries, minor or otherwise, is well documented. is the team so classless that they cannot let he and his family evaluate his situation and then make a decision on whether he wants to play here or elsewhere? is the blood and sweat he has shed for this franchise worth so little? are they interested in watching him turn into Ted Johnson or Andre Waters? even if the team is wondering about his desire, privately, you do zach, the team, and the fans a disservice by essentially calling zach out and speaking for the team on this issue. this sort of backstabbing, of a longstanding team and community leader no less, only makes me want to watch the team less, if that were possible this year. really ... just unbelievable. ZACH: some free advice -- don't bother returning to this mess. retire or play elsewhere, but this organization is the worst and, incredibly, still sinking. thanks for the 'scoop' armando.
THEY, THEY, THEY....Be honest Armando, THEY is YOU. This is just more of your irresponsible journalism. I understand it's a blog, but this "source" or "they" blogging just flat out sucks. As much as I hate Tony Cornheiser, at least he’s man enough to call his own idiotic opinion his own without hiding behind “they”.
I would EXPECT Zach’s wife to say those things. I would EXPECT him to take his time coming back, especially with all that has been brought to light relating to football related concussions, but to question Zach's desire is just FLAT OUT WRONG! YES, Maritza was in the same car as Zach, but she did not already have a concussion sustained two-weeks earlier!
You have access to Zach Thomas…why don’t you ask HIM if he really “wants it”, then let us know what he says.
As I see it...the only pig in the mirror is you.
Carlos, right on man... I can't believe that the obvious observation that Zach is/was already dealing with concussion problems while his wife was not, making Zach more prone to harsher reaction from the car accident than his wife isn't thought of before he opened his supposedly educated mouth.
Zach is one of a very few people (Shula, Marino, Jensen, Czonka, etc) that you CAN NOT question ANYTHING regarding their Dolphin/Manhood about unless you have specific info directly FROM THEM (I don't care what "inside source" told you, don't go there)!
eric,
I don't believe, THIS organization is questioning Zach, I believe Armando is questioning Zach without the cajones to walk right up to him and do so himself.
The ONLY reference to the Dolphin's as it relates to questioning Zach's desire comes from Armando's "they" source, and nowhere else that I have seen.
Armando,
Me and the girls at the beauty shop want to thank you for passing along all the latest gossip about the Dolphins. It is so much more interesting than the intelligent discussion of x's and o's that we read from other sports writers. Could you please post a link on the society page.
Thanks.
Your need to find subject matter to write about is apparently as desperate as the Fins are for a win!! Come on! How can anyone ever question Zach's desire to play football and contribute to the Miami Dolphins. He has not once been a disruption and finally he honestly speaks the truth about his situation and you (through the mask of team management) question his desire to play anymore. Face it, the team sucks and Zach should sit after his concussions so he does not get them as easily as Trent Green. Why not sit out. And yes the Fins need a MLB for the future in the next draft, but Zach should be the one to bring it next season and help show a youngster where it's at in the NFL. Was Tedi Bruschi questioned about his desire to play after sitting a long period out with a similar injury?? Does he still contribute to the best team in the NFL that has brought in many other LB's? Come on? You should reconsider what you sometimes write! I was born in MIA in '66 and read it all.
You guys are free to have theories and believe I'm thinking this or that about Zach even when I clearly write this is not my opinion.
The bottom line is this post reflects what I've been told by people inside the organization they are wondering.
Period.
And Carlos, you are free to not return to this blog if you don't understand or believe what is written.
Mando, you don't need to defend yourself over silly comments made by some idiots like Paul K.
WTF does Paul K know other than he's at a computer reading your stuff and commenting while his boss is out to lunch.
You got the inside track and everyone is on here because of that. Good job.
If there's any truth to this rubbish then the front office of this team is more inept than I thought. "Does he want it anymore?" That's such a non-sense question. If he didn't want it anymore, he could easily retire after the season (or now, but I'm not sure if that's possible contractually). How would a front office member actually quantify that a player has lost "his desire" and other such intangible gobbledygook.
The guy last year played with a torn labrum, in case anyone forgot. I'd rather have Zach Thomas at this point on my team versus Jason Taylor, who's a big baby that get's outrun by Eli Manning.
Armando has proven time and again that his sources are straight-up on the mark.
So if he says the Dolphins have questions about Zach, I believe they have questions about Zach.
And it's just like the Dolphins to question a guy who has given his body, sweat and blood for this team. Sad.
Thanks Armando.
Yea Carlos, and if you see any other bad things happening, say a puppy being beaten, just walk by that too and make sure you don't walk that way again if you didn't like what you saw...
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." (Edmund Burke)
I love Zach but I was thinking the same stuff. A migraine? Come on.
It is reasonable for the Dolphins to consider every option. One of the possibilities is that, indeed, Zach is bowing to advice he's getting from other people.
I think this will blow over and he'll be back next year.
Hey Trenton, wipe your mouth.
THIS idiot has a mind of his own, thus I don't base my opinion on a blog; however, when I read "they", too often I equate that to an unsubstantiated source.
As Armando so eloquently points out, we are free to have our theories and mine is that he is stating one side without giving Zach himself a chance to defend his actions while titling his blog:
"Dolphins wonder if Zach Thomas really wants it"
See Trenton, you believe this because it is written by Armando on the Herald’s website, to you, it is fact. I read this and what Armando wrote and call BS. The “Dolphins” don’t wonder if Zach really wants it, THEY (or one or more people, most likely not very influential within the organization or they would say who they are) wonder if Zach really wants it. That is substantially different.
Frankly I don't care what Zack wants or doesn't...or what his wife wants or doesn't...Zack has played wonderfully for many years but he's 35 years old, coming off a head injury..and perhaps as a player it's time he retires...just how long do any of you believe a small MLB can play in the NFL?
I wish him well...but the Dolphins will be my team long after he's gone...just like it has been my team long before he became a Dolphin player. All things come to an end...so that something new can come to replace it.
It is not hard to believe they are wondering...it is hard to believe that what they are wondering is true. Is Lekkerkerker starting on Sunday?
Armanod keep reporting your stuff, dont listen to the fools who want to cry about your blog but continue to read it anyways. They are the idiots.
On the story however i do not believe it one bit. The phins are right in looking into it, cuz when #54 retires or leaves the team must play on, but I do not for a second believe he would quit on his team like that! His play on the field and and lack of trouble off it has earned him respect to not be doubted ever!
Salguero,
I have read your articles before. I as well live out of market so I try to get an idea of what is going on with the team.
You have got to be kidding me with this?? Zach Thomas! The guy is a warrior. To question him, his desire to play, or his willingness to go full speed?? Give me a break!
I can see why people with in the organization would try and pull that. They are all about to be fired!!! You know the old saying about your butt and a hole in the ground. It holds true for all the idiots that run this team.
Leave the guys wife out of it. She is only worried cause she cares about him.
You lost me on this one Salguero
Sean - It is unfortunatly time to let our few past stars fade away into the night! We made a hugh mistake thinking we were going to be any good this year. Joey Porter......ouch that signing hurts! Goodbye JT, fairwell Zach! Let the young guys play and lets hope we can compete in a few years. Wayne H. must have killed sombody while making his fortune because the bad mojo that surrounds this organization is stunning! I wish I had another favorite team right now!
Carlos and Paul K sound like many typical fans who react on emotion. They don't want this to be true. Not many of you think with your head, it's all with your heart. Let me know how that works out for ya.
I can not believe your posting this Salguero. How can you even think that Zach THomas is a quitter? He deserves better than that. Even he is faking it, he is larger than life in Miami and certainly larger than you Armando and deserves the benefit of the doubt from you and all dolphin fans!!!!
Ok, I'm not second-guessing you Armando, I think you are a good reporter and your ear is to the ground concerning the Dolphins. But I very much am second-guessing the Dolphins' front-office. Please, talk about losers. Anyone remember last season, the season before that, or the one before that? Anyone see Miami in the post-season in YEARS??? How many QB's have we had during Brett Favre's tenure in Green Bay. What about all those drafts, are there any stars on this team from all of them? Big answer is...NO!!! Zach Thomas and JT have been the only 2 saving graces since the Dan Marino era. And I don't blame them for disaster of the last decade, I blame the Dolphins organization and coaches and owner. The problem is, they couldn't spot talent if it came up and bit them. They are L-O-S-E-R-S!! As long as they are in control, I don't see this team EVER getting better, not until a REAL coach (like Shula) comes in and takes the reins from these less-than-average no nothings!!
DON'T QUESTION ZACH, DON'T QUESTION JT, QUESTION why the Steelers were able to find Roethlisberger, how Drew Brees went to New Orleans, how Tampa got Garcia, the Texans got Matt Shaub, but the MORONIC Dolphins organization stuck with JAY FIELDER for all those years! You guys are LOUSY, and dragging my team into the ground!
LOL…anonymous is like a fart in church, you smell it, but it’s worth nothing unclaimed.
You are right; emotion does play a part—that is what being a fan is all about. Now go back a reread my posts, they question the validity and manner in which this subject is being brought to the general public—those of which might in fact have heads, but don’t know how to use them.
If Armando was willing to stand behind this a bit more firmly, it would have been a “story”, not a “blog”.
Paul K, what exactly do you base your opinion on? What you hear when you're dreaming? Who do you talk to?
Just wondering why you think Armando is not dead on accurate as he pretty much always is? Who are your sources?
I don't think you know anything.
Are you seriously specualting that Thomas is malingering? If anything it seemed the team was holding him back (from the outside lookin' in)
If someone from inside the Dolphins oraganization truly questions Zach's will to return to the field, then there is NO DOUBT that the entire front office should be cleaned out! How idiotic can the leadership of this franchise be?
Amazing.........
Paul K questions Mando instead of questioning the organization.
You guys want to attack the messenger? Then don't read the message.
But if you disagree with the message, understand it comes from the Dolphins, not Armando. I think he stated that pretty clearly when he said something like, "this is not what I believe."
actually i think Paul K is right on. i know this is only a blog, but throwing this out there ("they" are questioning zach) all while furiously backing away from the substance of the story (not *me*, *I* don't think that, heavens no!) is really irresponsible on the part of armando. i wrote an "anonymous" post above (#9, nice on the "fart in church" comment, paul k) that tried to make this point: basically armando is calling out zach and undermining a team and community leader based on BS whispers that will never be confirmed by ANYONE associated with the team. all he is doing is making the team look like it is considering throwing an injured player -- and one of the all-time great dolphins -- under the bus. he might as well have titled this blog post "Dolphins Plan to Sacrifice Zach Thomas -- midnight ceremony, ancient dagger involved." just the fact that his supposed sources are willing to spread this garbage, and he is willing to parrot it, is the lowest of the low.
as for the substance, who CARES whether zach is considering retirement or might be losing his desire to play? hasn't he earned the right to think that over and make that call without the team questioning his manhood through its convenient proxy armando? all of this should be handled in-house is what i'm saying. it is a natural part of the career trajectory of any great athlete ... but throwing around garbage like this, in the midst of the worst season in NFL history, is the lowest of the low. find a real story about the state of the team, armando, or don't bother. as for your inside sources, if i were them i'd think long and hard about whether this type of BS earns the team any fans, or keeps th team relevant, or just underlines what a bunch of incompetent losers run the show.
what a load of crap. This sort of article makes me not want to come back to the herald.
The Dolphins office can wonder all they want but you don't have to report this tripe.
It is one thing to play through an injury when you team has hopes of winning a SB and quite another when the rest of the season is simply practice.
How many stories have we read about guys with depression and brain problems committing suicide before they even reach the regular world's retirement age?
Another thing: Zach is getting older and has had a few concussions over the years. How is it NOT in the Dolphins best interest for him to sit out the rest of the year and avoid any more "concussion stacking"? Heck, he may be done as it is (I would recommend that he retire) but if he is not then having a long rest period can only be good.
Yeah, Armando stop reporting the truth. I want only happy candycane stories from now on. Don't tell me when the team loses, don't tell me when players get injured, don't tell me when the lineup changes and definitely don't tell me the team is winless.
All that news should not be reported -- only the fluffy stuff. So stop giving me inside information. Waaaaaaaaaaa!
Sean, you are a ditz. I've had girlfriends with more balls than you.
FLPD, you've had girlfriends with balls? hey, whatever floats your boat.
Trenton.
This blog, as indicated by the title, states the “Dolphins wonder if Zach Thomas really wants it”, thus most of the posters on this blog walk away with that as fact without questioning who exactly are the “Dolphins”? Is it Mr. Huizenga, Coach Cameron, Randy Mueller, or someone else’s whose (THEY) opinion really matters? That is not clear to me, so I question it.
So, you ask what my opinion is base on. It is base on an education that taught me some critical reading/thinking skills. Skills that enable me to think for myself vs. taking everything for face value like this or any other blog.
Why don’t I think Armando is dead on accurate? Because it is based on a “they” source, which is an easy cop out to a journalistic article based upon facts that can be debated or defended.
Who are my sources? I have only one…by brain.
One thing you are right about though Trenton, I may not know anything as it relates to whether or not Zach “wants it”, but what I do know is that this blog is both unprofessional and irresponsible.
If it were titled, “Do the Dolphins’ believe Zach still wants it?” there would be a different context to my posts.
If that’s too much for you to handle, the Pied Piper will be along shortly.
While I'm at it, I'll apologize to Armando for the pig in the mirror comment. Unfortunately, I attacked him personally vs. his opinion or way of presenting it.
Paul K, basic translation to your ramblings: You don't know anything.
Do you (or anyone else on Planet Blue), honestly, sincerely believe that Zach Thomas owes us all even a shred of explanation? NOT ONE BIT! Homeboy has left some of his best parts on football fields across this great land; and yall have the dastardly gall to question his manhood?! Ain't that a bitch.
Sean, no they didn't have balls. But their ovaries accounted for more balls than you have.
Zach has been paid handsomely for all his sacrifices. And this year he's been paid handsomely for missing most of the season.
Seems to me the Dolphins have the right to wonder anything they want.
It is sad there are more fans of the player than fans of the team on here. Just wrong.
Armando, thank you for giving us the benefit of what your sources are saying. I appreciate that they talk to you in confidence and you share that with us.
It's as if Dolphins sources are speaking to us. Pretty cool.
By the way, when you talk to them again, tell them fans don't think Zach quit on them.
The team is comprised of players. You're telling me that we should hold the franchise above the players? That's the problem that's making it increasingly more difficult to support this "franchise"; due to the way this team treats/has treated it's vets (Marino, McMichael, Chambers, Madison, Surtain, Welker, Culpepper, Mare, etc, etc, etc) Go ahead and add JT and Zach, because whether they are back or not, it's obvious that the team is not committed to them! You CAN'T seperate players, or emotions from a franchise. This current team is the prime example of what happens when you start stripping veteran's from the roster left and right, and OUR (fans) reactions are what they deserve to deal with. I've said it before, even Madden takes into account team morale when you start tearing away your team's foundations! Can anyone claim that the vets on this team aren't down and out emotionally? It's bad enough that they have to endure a season that need not be.(Don't think for a second if we still had Chambers, Welker, and McMichael we'd be winless) The powers that be chose to spit in the face of us, as fans, and the vets remaining on the team by demolishing what was left. Not only that, they have to constantly wonder whether they are secure with their own job, regardless of how many pro bowls, or whether they need to pack their bags and families, and play their final years in some other city. Don't tell me to hold the franchise above the players, this franchise doesn't deserve that type of loyalty, because they aren't loyal themselves!
That says it all right there, the Dolphins front office questions the resolve of Zach Thomas to play?1?
The Dolphins front office is a bunch of bums, take them out to the dumpster along with Cam and good riddance!
You have really sunk low this time. To question a warrior such as Zach Thomas and, worse of all, blame it on his wife who is trying to look out for him, shows that all your trying to do is increase traffic to your blog. Congratulations! Maybe next time you can blame his parents.
As a business owner, I understand why the Dolphins must look at every scenario and not ignore any possibility -- including the possibility Zach kinda quit on them this year.
This blog builds my confidence about my team. It doesn't lessen it.
So Noel, Armando tells us what the team is thinking and you blame him that the team is thinking that? You are a blithering dope.
I BELIEVE YOU, WHEN YOU SAY THAT THIS IS WHAT DOLPHIN "INSIDERS" ARE THINKING. THIS EXPLAINS WHY WE ARE WINLESS, THE RECENT DRAFT CHOICES, THE PLAYER AND COACHING TURNOVER, BECAUSE DOLPHIN INSIDERS ARE A BUNCH OF MORONS. YOU WOULD NOT BE HEARING THESE THINGS IF THEY WERE EVEN AN AVERAGE TEAM.
Well, CHICK, as a business owner, you should also realize that if you pull your customer's favorite product they will be mad....see whopperfreakout.com
I was just having flash-backs to Dan's last few years, 97-99 and that defense, with Tim Bowens, Daryl Gardner, Armstrong, Taylor up front. Zach in the middle, Marion, Buckley, Surtain, and Madison in the secondary.....Oh how I long the days of old...Imagine if Dan had a Ricky, or Ronnie back then, with that defense instead of Karim Abduls and Bernie Parmalees....
Oh, sorry, I was being nostalgic, and remembering the reason I love this team....FORMER PLAYERS!
Trenton,
You are right...
Thanks though for continuing to dumb down America.
Please don't have kids...
i can believe that he didn't want to come back. would you if you had to play for this crap team. why would he risk further injury to lose all the games. anyway all you people give him and jt a pass. they ALWAYS folded in the clutch. get real people!!!!
http://www.hbo.com/infl/
EVERYONE ask Dan to come back and coach, or to be the GM! As someone else pointed out, if he can coach us to the SB, he'll finally get the ring he DESERVES
What a truly awful column. Be specific, who are the dolphins raising these questions about Zach?; are they players, trainers, staff or in management or a combination of all of the above. Additionally, how many are we talking about, 2, 5, 20? Lastly, are these people starters, stars, or scrubs? What a terrible story to write; A, you should be ashamed of yourself....a truly pathetic columun.
I know Zach personally and he has been wanting to get on the field. The doctors never cleared him and he was basically in the same boat as Trent Green who also wanted to play. This article is garbage and the Fins organization is garbage. I been a fan since the early 80's and the way this is has been run past 7 years has been a disaster. We deserve to go 0-16. JT and Zach will be with a winner next year.
Honestly, I wonder why I keep coming back for this stuff. It's kinda like looking at a car wreck when you know it's just going to gross you out.
I've been hoping to find some decent news on the Herald site as of late, but it appears that the only things I see are speculation and gossip. When you see the "trust me, I'm an insider" and "my source says..." I seriously question the validity of anything I read. I used to enjoy when JC had the Q&A here...now I get gossip (ok, the team sucks, but surely there has to be SOMETHING to report); I haven't seen anything from Jeff Darlington answered in a couple of weeks...there's THAT much action in Miami? How about some info on the apparantly pending SALE of the team?
I've been spending more and more time on the Sentinel (and other South Florida) sites...much better news.
Would sure be nice to see something news-worthy on this site!
PS I was waiting on the "hot scoop" that Armondo was touting...was that the sale of the team? And was he the one that broke the story?
Since 1996 Zach has only missed a handful of games before this year's concussion. Let's look back. Broken tibia, dislocated fingers, torn labrum, severely sprained ankles, etc...playing injured while giving his heart and soul to Miami, it's people, and the Dolphin organization. Knowing Zach personally let's just drop the "desire" talk. He would play with his nuts in a vice. This concussion is another matter. He labors day in and day out trying to figure out why his headaches won't go away for good. To this day he is the most competitive and driven person there is. Getting married only made him more focused than ever. Does anyone remember his numbers last year? Look them up - the best in his 12 year career. Let's look at who has "given up" on this team. Since Jimmy left Zach and I have had deep conversations on personnel decisions. Miami has consistently pissed away players, wasted draft picks, and made horrendous trades for 8 straight years. Zach has missed sleep many nights after the Dolphins have let go or traded away offensive and defensive players that not only weren't expensive but were also big contributors. Only to pick up high priced trades or draft picks that weren't proven or even needed. Personnel put this organization in the toilet. As time passes they will eventually come up again as does just about every organization. Zach just wants to play. He is all about focus - focusing on each week, each game, and each play. It is not his fault that now his focus has to be on keeping his brain from being scrambled eggs.
I wouldn't be surprised if Zach gives you a concussion. Your comments and inferences are completely unsubstantiated and irrelavent because your source is not Zach, the one who counts. You are disrespecting his wife and his career and what he's always stood for...courage. Most of the media (and I'm sure you included) have no idea what it means to throw your body at others with reckless abandon. I'm not sure how you could even be an insider when practicing this "reach" journalism that most fans consider garbage. I would think that being an insider, you would have some sort of obligation or at least professional courtesy to not question a lion's courage even when YOU'RE not the one thinking it. ARMANDO, WHO'S REALLY THE COWARD?
Let's get real people. I knew 2 months ago, that Zack had no desire to out there anymore this year. Yes he is a great Dolphin, and a warrior, but he could be playing right now if he really wanted to, but he doesn't. And I don't blame him one damn bit.
Oh and in case you ddn't notice ARMAAAAAAAAAAAAAANDO, there have been tight restrictions put in place by the NFL regarding concussions. Zach would be out there right now if the NFL weren't so concerned about image.
Some of you people don't know how to read. Armando clearly said these are not his thoughts. He is merely reporting what the Dolphins organization is thinking.
Furthermore, even if those were Armando's thoughts, is what was written really that hard to believe?
Zach has played football for a long time, he's experienced countless concussions, he just got married, and is thinking about his future. Zach admitted as much.
Would it really be that surprising to any of you if Zach decided to think about his long term health and not play anymore this year?
He's only human.
The Dolphins would be showing a complete lack of vision if they DIDN'T start to wonder about Zach's commitment to the team.
"He doesn't want it anymore?" What a load of B.S. Thomas has played injured harder than some LB's play healthy. Anybody forget that this man still travels with the team?!?!?! He doesn't have to now that he's on IR but she makes the choice to.
Paul K, you take the prize as the biggest crap-talker on this blog. And the funny part is you don't know anything. NOthing. Really. Zero.
Zach is the definition of a throw back player. He plays for the love of the game, not money or fame. Any question about his motives or dedication is a load of crap. First in the training facility and the last one out. I hope ZT never sees this blog.
you're an idot ... fact.
Armando, I don't read your blogs anymore because you are so full of crap that it's literally a waste of my time. However, when I saw the headline of this blog saying the Dolphins are questioning whether Thomas really wants it, I decided to check it out, knowing full well the garbage I was about to sift through. I didn't see anyone from the Dolphins organization in any capacity quoted in the blog. You're taking the fact that his wife wants him to retire as the Dolphins questioning his desire to return. PATHETIC!!! You are a disgrace to journalism and the fact that your editor allowed you to post something so incredibly stupid is a disgrace to the Herald. No matter what the headline says from now on, unless it reads, "This will be my last blog ever", I will never subject myself to reading anything you have to say. Do us all a favor and choose another career path because you clearly SUCK at writing.
You missed your calling. You are MUCH better suited for writing telenovelas on spanish speaking TV.
You'd get paid much better and you could stop pretending to like or know anything about football as an added bonus. ;)
Hey guys, I have a loyal dolphin fan for decades and I have the same questions about the veterans on this. The dolphins are an old team on defense and the sign of an old defense is one that has lost it's desire to hit. The dolphins defense cannot stop the run, because it has lost it's desire to hit and that includes ZT and JT. It isn't a knock on either guy, but they are both undersized veteran players. Zach has the heart of a lion, but his body has broken down several times over the last few years. I have seen the John Offerdahls and Steve Towls physically break down as middle linebackers. The team needs to retool.
I've seen a number of articles about what a waste of money the Porter signing was, but Joey is the best player on our defense right now.
It would be VERY nice if we could get his former coach to come down here. :)
To hear that the Dolphin management is questioning the dedication of Zach Thomas is disconcerting to say the least. It shows just how out of touch and uninformed they really are.
The point they tried to make about his wife not suffering a concussion was laughable to say the least.
Thomas is near the end of his career for sure and Miami needs to look to the future. However, denigrating him especially considering his history of playing hurt is embarrassing the franchise and shows all of us fans just how far the Dolphins have fallen.
What?? So friggen what?? Do you actually blame him? Giving up on the organization. I would say that the organization gave up on Zack. Everyone knows that Zack is a flat out player. Teams devise plays to beat Zack.
Even is this were true, I would not be giving my brain up to a bunch of pussys in a no win situation. If he plays and looks dumb you would say he is finished.
Take a year off Zack. Brain injuries take a long time to heal. Have you ever tried to sprint with a migraine?
It isn't a leg contusion. A brain is the thing that runs the body and lets us think, walk and talk.
Speaking of leg contusions, there was a hockey player, named Cam Neely in Boston who's career ended because of an untreated leg contusion so when an athlete(except for golf or baseball) say they are injured I believe them because it when it really hurts it is too hard to play well.
The only person that would say anything would be someone young and dumb, maybe someone's son someone who's father is selling the team???
Calling out Zach Thomas, one of the greatest Dolphins to put on a jersey in the last decade, is despicable. Maybe his wife didn't suffer migraines because she hasn't suffered multiple concussions laying her body on the line for a team sport. Since Marino retired, Zach and Jason have filled his shoes. For disgracing Zach with such rubbish, I call you a piece of trash, Armando. You are nothing more than a piece of trash.
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Zach Thomas is a great Dolphin linebacker in the tradition of Nick Buoniconti. I have watched him fly headfirst into the endzone with an interception. Zach Thomas is everything that is great about football. Having said that, I agree with his wife. He should retire from the playing field to the sidelines where the Dolphins should make him a defensive coach. With Zach Thomas coaching the D - the Dolphins will kick ass for many many years and Zach Thomas will eventually become the head coach of the Dolphins and the greatest coach since Don Shula.
So Steve Gowland, you call out Armando, except that Armando faces all the players in the locker room everyday.
You call out Armando, knowing that you'll never have to see him face to face. You are a piece of crap and a coward steve cowland.
As a fan that appreciates the way Zach Thomas has impetuously sacrificed his body, disappointing season after distressing season to make terrific play after tremendous play, I am overjoyed that the heart and soul of our defense is thinking about his heart and health for the future.
Zach Thomas has nothing left to prove and everything else to lose. If the powers that be see fit to keep him out of the Hall- no worries. Zach Thomas will ever more be a Hall of Famer in this city, at our core. He will always be remembered. He will forever be exalted.
Zach Thomas: the greatest linebacker in the history of the Miami Dolphins.
As a fan that appreciates the way Zach Thomas has impetuously sacrificed his body, disappointing season after distressing season to make terrific play after tremendous play, I am overjoyed that the heart and soul of our defense is thinking about his heart and health for the future.
Zach Thomas has nothing left to prove and everything else to lose. If the powers that be see fit to keep him out of the Hall- no worries. Zach Thomas will ever more be a Hall of Famer in this city, at our core. He will always be remembered. He will forever be exalted.
Zach Thomas: the greatest linebacker in the history of the Miami Dolphins.
Calm down people, he's not questioning Zachs heart, he's questioning his motivation to continue to play.
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Armando, please contact me as I had a similar experience to Zach and can verify for you (and the team if they'll talk to me) that this is legitimate. I also had periodic (twice a month) migraines that went to 4-6 times a week with much greater severity after getting rear ended in a car crash and suffering what seemed to be only a minor whiplash. My wife, who was driving (and pregnant) suffered no injuries at all in the accident. It probably took almost a year for the migraine frequency to decrease - and it didn't go back to almost normal until I found a doctor who found medicine that worked for me. With good doctors, Zach should be able to be back to normal for next year (at least by midseason), but it really would have been foolish for him to start playing again this year.
I hope Zach reads this: I know he'll be upset about this whole episode because questioning a player's desire is hard on the ego. But it has to be done. The Dolphins wouldn't be doing their job if they didn't do that. Good work by them.
I hope the Dolphins read this: Zach wants it. He is still driven. A guy doesn't lose his desire overnight. Challenge him, get in his face about it, and see how he responds. I think this warrior will respond like a warrior.
I hope Armando reads this: Good stuff, dude. You're doing a good job. Keep it up.
His wife is nothing but a money hungry groupie with big GUMS!!
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