Jason Taylor saga will become heated barring trade
Late Sunday evening when I came to understand the full scope of the current relationship between Jason Taylor and Bill Parcells, I felt like the referee in the middle of a cable television wrestling match.
I wrote about that decaying relationship in my column Monday [read it here: http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/story/512073.html] and basically advocated that Taylor and Parcells should just forget their differences, call each other, and make nice.
I am told that is not going to happen.
What is more likely to happen is that as early as TODAY the Taylor camp will call the Dolphins and renew its request to be traded. Agent Gary Wichard is scheduled to call Parcells or general manager Jeff Ireland and once again remind the Dolphins that Taylor wants to play for a playoff-caliber team in 2008. He will also remind them the Dolphins are not a playoff-caliber team, no matter what they might want you to believe.
If that renewed request doesn't get results look for more drastic measures on the horizon. If Jason Taylor is still on Miami's roster at the start of training camp in July, do not be surprised if he declines to report.
And if he's on the roster at the start of the season in September, don't be surprised if he threatens to retire.
The Dolphins, meanwhile, would be retaliating with fines for every day Taylor misses in training camp and grow angrier that such a distraction is threatening to overshadow the building of a team. And knowing the antagonists involved, don't be surprised if it gets personal when folks become frustrated enough to start speaking on the issue publicly.
The point is this was once a win-win situation that now could turn lose-lose.
If the Dolphins did the logical thing and traded Taylor for a draft pick or picks, they would have added ammunition for building their team. Taylor, meanwhile, would have been happy to thank the team for 11 wonderful seasons and gone onto trying to win a championship for himself and new team. Win-win.
But the Dolphins put a ridiculous asking price on Taylor (a first round pick) that no one was willing to pay. So of course, no one made a trade offer. So Taylor is still on the team, but he may sit out while the team has a soap opera on its hands. Lose-lose.
If the Dolphins had strong leadership from managing partner Wayne Huizenga this would be over. The man who has employed Taylor for 11 years could easily step in and order Parcells and Ireland to trade Taylor. Case closed. He obviously hasn't done that for reasons only he understands.
So while these two trains build up steam and roll headlong at each other, we should realize there seems very little chance of the reconciliation I was calling for in my column. Either Taylor is traded or it's going to get ugly.
I wrote about that decaying relationship in my column Monday [read it here: http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/story/512073.html] and basically advocated that Taylor and Parcells should just forget their differences, call each other, and make nice.
I am told that is not going to happen.
What is more likely to happen is that as early as TODAY the Taylor camp will call the Dolphins and renew its request to be traded. Agent Gary Wichard is scheduled to call Parcells or general manager Jeff Ireland and once again remind the Dolphins that Taylor wants to play for a playoff-caliber team in 2008. He will also remind them the Dolphins are not a playoff-caliber team, no matter what they might want you to believe.
If that renewed request doesn't get results look for more drastic measures on the horizon. If Jason Taylor is still on Miami's roster at the start of training camp in July, do not be surprised if he declines to report.
And if he's on the roster at the start of the season in September, don't be surprised if he threatens to retire.
The Dolphins, meanwhile, would be retaliating with fines for every day Taylor misses in training camp and grow angrier that such a distraction is threatening to overshadow the building of a team. And knowing the antagonists involved, don't be surprised if it gets personal when folks become frustrated enough to start speaking on the issue publicly.
The point is this was once a win-win situation that now could turn lose-lose.
If the Dolphins did the logical thing and traded Taylor for a draft pick or picks, they would have added ammunition for building their team. Taylor, meanwhile, would have been happy to thank the team for 11 wonderful seasons and gone onto trying to win a championship for himself and new team. Win-win.
But the Dolphins put a ridiculous asking price on Taylor (a first round pick) that no one was willing to pay. So of course, no one made a trade offer. So Taylor is still on the team, but he may sit out while the team has a soap opera on its hands. Lose-lose.
If the Dolphins had strong leadership from managing partner Wayne Huizenga this would be over. The man who has employed Taylor for 11 years could easily step in and order Parcells and Ireland to trade Taylor. Case closed. He obviously hasn't done that for reasons only he understands.
So while these two trains build up steam and roll headlong at each other, we should realize there seems very little chance of the reconciliation I was calling for in my column. Either Taylor is traded or it's going to get ugly.
138 Comments:
first.....yes
Yea, let's asked the person that put us in the situation in the first place to step in. BRILLIANT.
Just let the professionals handle this situation. If Taylor wanted to play so much, his little toto wearing arse would be back here building up his 225 lb frame to handle a 16 game season. He's not committed, so screw him.
Mando,
You like this don't you?!? I blame Taylor for this situation, not the Huizenga. If he didn't make it so transparently obvious he wanted a trade maybe one would have been made, since teams probably just offered a third and fifth rounder or something stupid like that. And if he really wants to be traded he'd show up to training camp and play, giving the Fins the chance to trade him to a team before the trade deadline.
But in the end this gives Mando and his media friends a chance to take on BP and trash him throughout training camp.
Mando is already challenging Huizenga to tighten the leash on BP. What's next? Goading new players into becoming cancers in the locker room. I'm starting to think the Miami media is the cancer killing off our sports franchises.
We should have traded Taylor for more picks. a first round pick for taylor may have been a reach but after the jared allen (DUI) trade it was worth a try. I believe that if taylor keeps cool and keeps his value high by not demanding a trade I can see a trade happenning once training camps start and players start going down maybe they will work out a trade like a third round pick with incentives that can end up as a 1 or a 2 depending on the productivity of taylor. You never know but I believe whether JT opens his mouth or not he will be traded when the right offer comes along.
Mando,
In fact I think you're like the little devil on the shoulders of Miami athletes whispering all types of ridiculous things in their ears. It would be funny if it wasn't so effective. These guys actually listen to the media down here, and you guys know it. That's why I'm glad the new regime are drafting high character guys, that won't listen to you guys and become venomous snakes in the locker room.
Why do local journalists support athletes who are paid handsomely and are under contract for a further two years, but 'demand' to be traded. If its for the good of the club, fine - but the leadership of the owner should be shown through supporting the interests of the team - not an individual player. If Huizenga forces a trade - we have no leverage and will get junk for what is a top 10 defensive player.
Taylor needs to shut up and play or retire...it's that simple. Taylor is not the Miami Dolphins...he's a well paid player...and we owe him nothing more than appreciation...he has two years left on his contract, so honor it.
You are the referee? A person for the media? Oh we both know how Parcells and Taylor love the media! Must be slow days in Davie for you to have to make up this ongoing garbage.. is it hard for you to believe Taylor may actually accept playing here?
good blog armando.....by the way, have you heard anything on the free agent front. Have we signed any undrafted players.
Wayne Huizenga has no balls!
Fox mulder said: "I'm starting to think the Miami media is the cancer killing off our sports franchises."
Yeah, those media types threw too many interceptions and couldn't stop the run last year! That's it. That's the answer. More athletic media!
Ever since Jason went to Hollywood,CA he has been uppity and uncommunicative.
Look at Jed Clampett- he got rich went to Beverly Hills and still ate Posumm Fritters and went swimming in the cement pond out back like a regular fellow.
I think Jason just needs a mentor/PR person and allaround point man to act as a laison, like Jed had. Mr. Drisedale or Miss Jane would be a fine addition to his team.
Huizenga can't intervene Armando. He promised Parcells full autonomy of the football side of things. If he would order JT traded, Parcells would walk and claim breach of contract. If Parcells wants to let JT twist in the wind and serve as an example of his authority, that's the way it will be.
Mulder, I think Scully stole your brains based on these stooopid posts you just made.
The level of Wayne Huizenga's incompetence continues to astoud me. How did this guy become a billionaire?
Jason Taylor is making $14 million a year to be in a Dolphins uniform.
The Dolphins are paying him more than a MILLION DOLLARS a month.
There has been no camp missed yet... so there should be no drama.
Why let the best player on your team go for nothing? Anyone? ANYONE?
Don't diss Parcells for this. JT has to show up for work.
If all of us chip in like a dollar we can probably have like 10 cases of Gerber Baby Food sent to Jason in CA or at the Dolphins Facility if he ever returns and get a TV camera there if Armando can pull some strings for us. It would be nice for us (most of whom are normal hardworking people making ends meet) as fans of the Dolphins to show Jason how we feel. We could throw in a tutu also.
Frankly, I don't think he has any trench cred anymore. I mean how do you line up across from those guys with grizzled beards protecting Brady and bring it when you've been playing pretty boy. There's going to be a lot of laughter on the other side of the ball no matter who we play, and I don't want this tainting an otherwise storied organization. Cut his a**.
Print that.
Armando, with all of the utter garbage that you've printed in this column in the weeks leading up to the draft - a result of your willingness to publish just about anything anyone told you - why should we start paying attention to you now?
I know this is a blog, and arguably has less stringent journalistic standards than the formal newspaper article in the Herald, but frankly, you've lost a lot of credibility over the last two months. I used to look forward to you writing something dependable, but with your draft coverage, you've jumped the shark.
Jake
I think unless Parcells gets that first rounder for JT, he feels it's more valuable to the organization that he can make an example of JT for missing the off-season training by letting him twist in the wind than the compensation he would receive in a trade.
But regardless of what I just posted, I still come here, like 7 times a day. Can't help myself.
- Jake
And I'm a homo.
Jake
OK - this makes two different orticles on Jason Taylor and still nothing on the undrafted college free agents we have signed. All other news outlets are reporting on that but this one. C'mon Armando, start report news and not gossip. You can do better than this!!! We readers deserve it!!
First of all J.T. should have been traded when Saban the turd was here. That is part of the Dolphins hanging on for 10 yrs trying to make the playoffs instead of rebuilding, trying to make chicken salad out of chicken shit. There is no proof that the Dolphins are asking for a 1st round pick. It has also been reported that no one has offerd more than a 3rd rounder, and J.T. would want a large new contract from a new team.
Ramsterone
Parcells is just trying to get the best value for the Miami Dolphins.The reason he is asking for a 1st round pick is beacause he knows the other teams are going to counter with a lower offer and to build up value for Taylor.If he asks for a third round pick the other teams are going to offer a fouth or fifth round choice in return.This is called negotiating!something you know very little of Armando.If I were Wayne Huizenga I would ban you from Dolphins headquartes because you are a troublemaker who hates this team.
Vinny
Firstly, why would Huizenga hire Bill Parcells to run football matters then overule him to get JT traded, it completely undermines Tuna's position and would seriously piss him off. JT has been a great man and player for this organisation and I for one am sad to see this happening but the Dolphins have to agree on a trade for what he is worth not just take the best offer, thats what other GM's have done, I cannot fault Tuna or Geoff Ireland for trying to get maximum compensation for what is still an outstanding player, in great shape and was defensive player of year 2 seasons ago, double digit sacks nearly every year any team would want that but i do agree a 1st rd pick was too high but a good starting point nonetheless.
I wasn't in favour of this trade before the draft but lito sheppard for JT seems a good trade now, we gat a top corner and JT goes to a challenger which doesn't play the dolphins twice a year.
This is my take: Jason is under contract. He has done very well being a great player on mediocre teams. It is his obligation to play for the good times and the bad. He should honor his contract. It is not Miami's job to find him a nice new home with a specific request. Miami placed a value on JT. Others thought it was too high. How much money will Chris Long get from St Louis and what is his resume? Jax moved way up in the draft to get another unproven DE and could have had a Pro Bowl DE with a very manageable contract for the same compensation. So don't tell me that the Dolphins were asking too much! Miami has the player under contract and he is serviceable- So why just give him away to another suitor without getting fair value? If he wants to retire, so long! We'll save the money and pay someone else. If JT doesn't have the desire to play anymore, then he can save us the aggravation and go dance for a living. The needs of the team outweigh the needs of the player.
Go Dolphins!
Boneheads,
It never changes... you think this is new?
It is supply and demand. Let him sit and see if someone wants him by the mid-October deadline. The supply truck just came and left with the draft and now the the only things that will affect demand are draft busts in camp and injuries and they are inevitable in camp, preseason and September.
Just chill-lax, don't get excited
and for once learn how to play poker from Parcells. All you itchy trigger fingers need to learn how to play hardball despite the need for excitement and the burning in your stomach. Why the hell should we care what the media writes, how much 'pressure' is being put on Parcells.... you think he gives a rats ass? And hell you don't have a penny invested, so talk is cheap, but at least come up with a good idea. Even a busted clock is right twice a day.
It seems that this is a "heated" situation that you are brewing up all by yourself. In fact, I haven't seen one public comment from Jason Taylor about any of this "heat." Jason even has publicly said that his team AND coach are being supportive.
Are you trying to imitate FOX News to drum up readership with scandal by pitting people against each other?
-sad, let the big boys take care of themselves.
Hay Mando-
Is Hercules Satele a relation to Samson Satele? The Cardinals signed him as an undrafted FA OT. Shouldn't we have taken a look to have Sampson and Hercules together?
i agree with some. Jt doesn't get an automatic trade to a playoff team cause he wants it. he get paid pretty good to be on a shitty team. we don't owe him nothing. he is under contract. shut up and play or retire. he makes more than i'll ever see in 3 lifetimes. i'll get bashed for this but leaders don't miss camp. so what it is voluntary but it still a camp. either he can shut up and play or quit i'm tired of hearing how we owe it to him to trade him. get a life. it is bussiness.
Armando,
For someone who claims to be sick and tired of the jokes being made of the Dolphin’s organization, you certainly do a nice job of stoking the controversial flames. I think you a hypocrite….You say you are sick you contribute to the mockery.
BTW, in what context have the current Dolphin’s regime attempted to lead us as fans to believe they are a playoff contender as you state in this blog?
Sorry, but as much as I love JT, if he drives down his own value by making a public stink, then he is only hurting his OWN chances of playing for a contender. He’ll do nothing but force the hand of his own retirement because.
Armando, I love your work but you have gone raving mad here.
1) Nothing good would come from Huizenga getting in between JT and Parcells. Huizenga would risk damaging his relationship with Parcells. Why would he do that? The best thing for Huizenga to do is to BUTT OUT and let the football guys handle it.
2) There's NO WAY JT is going to damage his personal and business relationships in South Florida by allowing things to PUBLICLY turn ugly.
3) Consider the fact that Parcells knows a little bit about handling players. Give him some credit in that he must know what he is doing and that there is a bigger picture here.
4) Parcells has a RIGHT to be angry with JT for taking off like he did for Dancing without talking to him first. JT must think he is some sort of prima donna that he can do such things without at least talking his boss first. If you or I did that, we'd be in trouble too.
5) JT has a right to be frustrated because he'd like to go out a winner. But he is the one who will be the BIG LOSER here if he lets his relationship with Parcells totally spin out. Whoever is advising him (Wichard?) is really messing up.
As much as I love J.T. and everything he's meant to the Dolphins & the community for the last 11 years, he needs to calm down on any trade demands and report to work. He's making a TON of scratch to play for the MIAMI DOLPHINS and if ANYONE can help us to become a contender again, it's HIM.
With Zach gone, we need veterans like him to mentor young studs like Merling and Langford, not to go whining to the media about "playing for a contender" & "needing a Ring" - hey, Marino never got one, and he played his entire career here. Doesn't seem like that's affected HIS life after football any, has it?
SUCK IT UP J.T. - win that damned Hollywood popularity show, and get back here in July bulked back up and ready to make THIS team a winner again !!
Vegas Fishfan
Dolfan since 1970 :)
Armando, great blog, great article. Obviously, some people posting here are idiots, and don't appreciate the fact, that we appreciate to know the inside scoop your are reporting for us.
That being said, I'll add my two cents. I never like the Tuna before he arrived here. I now have a growing respect for him, and have lost much respect for JT. Bottom line, JT is not the coach and for two years he has dissed the coaches in Miami.
Also, he is not HERE, and by threatening through his agent to not come back if he isn't traded is just crap. JT apparently doesn't realize that he is NOT the one in control here. He's up against the Tuna. He's off dancing for crying out loud. Now he is whining (loudly) through his agent.
The best PR move JT can make at this point, is to shut up, and come back and be the best TEAM player he can be and collect his 8.5 million salary for 2008.
What a baby... he is...he leaves his team to go dance, and demands to be traded because Parcell's wouldn't agree to see him. His ego is not pretty at this point in time, and is quickly erroding all of the good memories we fans have of him.
At least we know as fans, that now we have someone who is FINALLY, REALLY IN CHARGE! THE TUNA ROCKS!
hey how come the herald has nothing on the players miami added?? i read on the sunsentinal the phins added 12 URFA right after the draft, however its nowhere to be found in the miami herald?? whats up Mando?? taking a coffee break?? and also the only people repoting this JT stroy is here??? is it even true that his agent requested a trade??? Mando whats going on u should be getting better as the years go by not gettin worse????? GET TO WORK WITH WHATS ACTALLY HAPPENING AND NOT RUMORS!!!!!!! THEN AGAIN I DONT CARE ILL JUST GO READ IT ELSEWHERE
When did it become typical for good players to suddenly think that they are entitled to win a championship? Seems like it s started over the last 10 years or so. I am so fed up with players that think their path to a championship is to be traded to the best available team before they retire. Sorry, Jason Taylor, maybe you should have focused on playing a little better and making the players around you better, instead of thinking a trade was going to get you a Super Bowl ring. The Dolphins D, led by Jason and his brother-in-law, has let this team down numerous times over the past 10 years. Now, this clown thinks it is his right to play for a winner. Ridiculous. How about dedicating yourself to getting in to the lockerroom and helping these new young guys become NFL players?
I hope Parcells trades this crybaby to a Arena Football team.
Let me bring some common sense to the discussion. Here are the facts. Fact #1: Jason Taylor is under contract. That alone makes this Taylor's problem. He agreed to the contract, length and amount for his services. He did not put a clause in the deal he signed that stated if the team was a loser they needed to deal him. Nor is Miami obligated to deal him to a contender, the fact that they are trying to speaks volume of the class Parcells and Wayne are showing.
Fact #2: Jason Taylor is our most valuable player. He is our team leader by default. He is our most talented, our most recognized and our most respected player on the roster. HE IS worth a 1st round pick to a team who wants to win a super bowl but seem to be one sack master away. Steep? Sure, but how many players bring Taylors dynamic to a team that is one guy away from the super bowl? I would argue that a #1 is too little to pay for a guy who not only gets you sacks but ints and fumble recoveries for TDs. In fact he is probably the single most dominating DL out there and on any other team with anybody else on the line with him, it would stand out more so than it already does. A team like San Diego or Jacksonville who wants to join Indy and NE at the top of the AFC food chain should have to cough up a 1st round to get an NFL ICON.
Fact #3 HE DOES have a responsibility to the organization to not only play but be the example based on his contract and the money he is being paid. I am sick and tired of poor Jason Taylor and he wants a super bowl ring. Did Dan Marino demand to be traded when the team sucked several times during his last few seasons? When the defense collapsed year after year in December that cost him opportunities to win a ring? No, of course not. That is class and professionaliskm at its finest folks.
So with those facts stated, Jason Taylor better show up for training camp and better show up busting a nut to be a maniac after the QBs so that a team that does have a shot a super bowl wants him bad enough to fork over the 1st rounder that he is worth to a team like that. If not he can sit home and retire and wonder what life would have been like if only he had shown up and done something to get traded to a contender by a team that has done nothing but accomodate him his entire career.
Armando,
What is the chance we can trade JT and get a CB or a WR? Any chance on a Lito Sheppard trade? Yes, I am aware of his injury history, but it seems like being too picky is what got us into this mess in the first place. Philly has the chance to be in the playoffs this year as well. It could potentially be a good move. Any other thoughts/scenarios?
Armando,
If JT retires, where will he be able to make $8 million a year?
Answer: Nowhere!
JT should have a conversation with Rick Fox about acting after a pro sports career! You dont make $8 million every day of the week. JT would be foolish to not play out the final 2 years of his career.
Taylor runs the risk of ruining his legacy, the immature way he is dealing with this. Like several other posters, I'm sick of privileged atheletes trying to dictate to teams. If we can't get a 2nd round pick or decent player, Taylor has an obligation to turn up.
If he doesn't want to play for the Dolphins, he can give up his $8.5m salary and kiss his chances of the HOF goodbye. He has good stats but I think he needs these last 2-3 years to give him a realistic shot at Canton.
If he wants a Bosworth/ The Rock Hollywood career, he needs to understand it's not a given. Not worth giving up an NFL salary and HOF status for.
Taylor can stick it. What makes him any different than Ocho Stinko of the Bengals or that idiot receiver in Dallas? Who is he to demand a trade? So what if he played for the Dolphins for 10 years. He didn't give us anything. He got payed and big time for his game. Why do the Dolphins owe him anything?
8 Million Dollars says Taylor ain't going anywhere. No one will pay it except Miami and he won't walk away from it... I see no drama here except what Armando choses to make.
Parcells is pissed and rightfully so. There is no way he is going to back down and give every other player on the roster the idea they can miss the off season workouts without serious consequences. Taylor is at fault and has been for his unwillingness to act like a professional football player who is making $8 million.
Why would another team want to trade for a player who is in Hollywood dancing with the freaking stars? That's like trading for Jessie Palmer, the freaking bachelor for crying out loud... Taylor will be divorced in two years and off being a pretty boy. I personally hope Parcells breaks his ass every chance he gets.
What we want is football players not pretty petty boys.
Geez Armando - I found your blog after Parcells came to Miami. I didn't think it was possible for a sports "writer" to be worse than Jean-Jerk Failure at the "Dallas Morning News" but I was wrong. You're an ever bigger hysterical harpie than JJT was. Do you ever have anything positive to say?
I notice that the "Herald's" circulation just declined another 11%. Pat yourself on the back--it's "writers" like you that are responsible for that decline.
We now see the true nature of Jason Taylor- dishonorable.
It is wrong to blame 'phins management when they expect their players to be part of the team. In the wake of Taylor's recent Hollywood escapade, it is wrong to sympathize with JT simply because he has 11 years in. We all want what's best for JT, but not at the expense of our beloved Dolphins.
As I see it, JT drew first blood. He snubbed his nose at the team-concept, by not reporting to mini camp. Now he's threatening to ignore his contract. He has no standing as a victim here. He created the mess with his arrogance. He's had us fooled all these years.
Sweetness must be rolling in his grave!
Joe- Margate, FL.
"If the Dolphins had strong leadership from managing partner Wayne Huizenga this would be over. The man who has employed Taylor for 11 years could easily step in and order Parcells and Ireland to trade Taylor. Case closed. He obviously hasn't done that for reasons only he understands."
Come on, Armando. This is Wayne H not Jerry Jones. He handed the keys to the franchise to Parcells, period. Ordering him to trade Taylor would be taking those keys right back IMO. I don't see Wayne doing that under any circumstances.
Better to bite the bullet even if it means we get nothing for Taylor and he retires. It's a message to the league that Spielman has definitely left the building. No more Ogun-for-a-3rd trades are going to happen. Therefore, I totally agree with what we've done to this point - save for Parcells ignoring Taylor on his visit. On the other hand, Taylor did make the choice to star on TV while also actually moving to Hollywood.
Folks, this is nothing more than Armando sensationalizing and creating a soap opera where none exists. Nothing but opinionated fodder to get the bloggers out of their shell. As far as I can see, Parcells and Taylor are both doing there job. Isn't this a voluntary training going on? Players, especially veterans sit them out with frequency, just like Super Bowl winner Strahan last year. They are just professionals being profressionals. There are one zillion things worse Jason Taylor could be doing right now.
A few responses to some posts:
Hercules Satele is Samson Satele's brother.
Paul K, if you think me a hypocrite for telling people what is going on, then you need to find the definiation of a hypocrite and understand it better. You are in the shoot the messenger camp, buddy, but this messenger doesn't take being shot at lightly.
Thirdly: I'm sure beat guys Jeff Darlington and David J. Neal are working on getting the free agent names up on the site. That is their job.
Fourth: The Herald's circulation has indeed declined. But this blog is well on its way to 2 million page views this year.
Armando I appreciate your candor re taylor and parcells. I am on the side with parcells as your so called leader is not busting his hump lifting weifgts with his teammates but fox trotting in calif. He then casually stops by and unexpectedly walks into parcells office as he is preparing for the draft. Hes lucky parcells didnt use some chouce 4 letter words.Jt can play football for miami or retire or his agent can ask for permission to explore a trade. Maybe jt needs to clear the air armando and give you an interview where he can express his desires and his football plans, i think he looks soft and as a team leader needs to be in miami with his teammates on the mandatory voluntary offseason workout program
Armando, don't even bother with those wack jobs. Just keep posting the good stuff for those of us who appreciate it. And it is good stuff.
Armando responds with the smackdown to his critics. Don't cross comment-thread swords with the man who writes for a living.
First of all Huzienga is probably staying out of it because he hired Parcells to deal with these situations. Why hire a guy to deal with personnel and then step on his toes? Isn't that why Parcells left some of his other teams. So I think it is pretty obvious what Huzienga is thinking, Parcells feelings on this matter are way more important at this point than a 34 year old defensive ends feelings whos best days are behind him. Taylor will retire after this season but Parcells will be here for at least a year beyond that. It's time to stop worrying about twinkle toes and start worrying about the future of the club. NYScott
You know I am a Taylor fan, however I am totally on the side of the Fins here. Miami should do as it is doing and not GIVE Taylor away. He is a multiple Pro Bowler DESPITE his age. Of course any other team would love to get a Pro Bowler Sack Leader for a 3rd rounder or lower. And, would not all football players want to play for what they perceive as a winner?? Miami gave the Cowboys Zach Thomas for nothing because they let him loose before the start of Free Agency. As long as teams suspect you will do this they will make it look impossible for you to believe you will get a good return on a trade. I say give Taylor's Agent permission to seek a trade and come back to Ireland / Parcells. If the trade is not good enough then hold firm to either Play for the Fins or retire. What are we going to do release him like we did with Thomas?? After all he is still going to make $7 Million to $8 Million this year. Ridiculous.
You make it sound like he's playing for free. He gets paid a lot of money. Would you retire and walk away from 17.5 million dollars for two years ? I know he's rich but 17 M$ is a lot of money. Nobody gave up a good enough package for the Dolphins he just should play like he's paid to. If he played better last year maybe the Dolphins wouldn't have been 1-15
And furthermore, I am SO sick of reading how Jason isn't happy about not winning a superbowl. Hey Jason, how do you think the fans feel!? You get paid millions of dollars to not win a superbowl while we shell out a good chunk of our salaries to watch this every year! We don't have the luxury, as fans, of jumping ship to get a superbowl because we are then called band wagon fans. We've been rooting for you ever since you came to the Dolphins and now you're going to turn your back on us because you're not getting your way? Go ahead and sit out you selfish egomaniac. Parcells and company are right to be upset with you. You are the leader of the team and should be with your teammates right now and not on a freaking dance show. Maybe if you were working out with the team and not chasing a hollywood dream (of being a terrible actor in B movies) we could have got true value for you. Instead you showed other teams that you are not serious about the NFL anymore and hurt our negotiating stance. You are just as guilty in all of this as the Phins! NYScott
Parcells is just trying to make something happen.
could you go into more detail about the CAP ramifications should Taylors trade happen before June 1st.
Also maybe an article as to who the Trifecta will be targeting when other teams start cutting their proven vets.
I'd think WR and DB's are their goals considering the draft patterns.
Now Taylor's being a baby.. Every dance step he makes, turns him even softer..
You can't sell hotdogs in an empty stadium. Call the Eagles and offer Taylor for Lito Shepard and 6th or 7th RD pick just to rid yourself of a bomb that might explode!! This could get ugly .. quick. But your not going to get a 1st or 2nd rounder out of 34 yr old , 8 million dollar a year nearly washed up defensive tackle !!!!
I'm just giving you people th facts.
Why are we whack jobs? Essentially what Armando is advocating is for the owner to undermine the VP of Operations. Is that truly what is best for the team. Is it also best for the team to trade away its best players for under-market simply because they want a shot at a ring? What kind of precedent does that set?
JT has a job. He decided to spend time in something that potentially negatively impacts his productivity in his job (skipping workouts). His employer has every right to be upset at not being consulted first.
Armando, I will say first that I respect your knowledge and defer to you being the sportswriter here. I just disagree with you. I don't think Jason Taylor is going to become anyone's cancer. He blew up on the last head coach on an airplane that should have remained Team Business. He's been outspoken against himself when he felt he 'sucked' in a game and has always been a quality person as well as player. That his frustration is great after 11 years without a championship is understandable. Many of his long time buds are gone, so he's aggro. But I don't believe he would be a cancer. He signed a contract and if it doesn't work out for him to be traded he will either play or retire. Oh well.
BP couldn't give up a guy this dynamic for nothing. I understand that. He wanted a high price for JT and I understand that too. But I don't believe this has to turn overly ugly. There's plenty of pre-camp spats that get squashed once its time to play. I think this type of 'armageddon' reasoning just mostly panders to the long suffering Miami fans who are ready to vent poison at the drop of a hat.
Some of this talk about Taylor being a dancing whiner and a traitor are just plain bullshit. Can I write that here? I hate that you bring possible bad news because the worst part of it all is the freakin' froth-mouthed fans who are just waiting to jump on with both feet. I'm not talking about everybody who disagrees with JTs stance. Thats just natural. But the stupid, venomous comments about his manhood, ability and character are just way off base. Where does the JT hate come from? The eleven years of faithful, excellent service? The millions of dollars paid to him like ALL sports stars of his caliber? The dancing? That's just rubbish. He's great. He has been great and I hope this gets squashed so he can keep on being great for us. I'll take Jason Taylor on my team over a big mouthed know nothing fan any day. Tutu and all. Anyone who doesn't see the 'just funnin' aspect of that is just an idiot. I certainly don't think some angry fan at the typewriter is more of a man than the guy I've watched terrorize QBs all these years. Those losers can bite me. Go PHINS! C'mon JT and BP. Fix this crap! The bandwagon haters are all just waiting to pile on. Anyway...just in case either party reads your blog Mando. Peace out Phin Fans.
Clint, if you're going to give us the facts you should start with the fact that Jason Taylor is a defensive end and not a defensive tackle. Get your facts straight.
laquin, good post and I agree with most of what you are saying. I was one of the ones who called him out but it's not just because of this article. Ever since the Phins started going down hill JT has been on the attack. He has not shown himself to be a leader off the field by complaining to the media an anyone else who will listen. So a lot of our frustrations have been building over a few years. I respect the hell out of him for what he has accomplished but I respect the fans more. I am referring to me and all of the other die hard fans that were here before he came in and will be here long after he is gone. We have been paying for years and he has been getting paid, very nicely. I think that entitles us to a little bitching. Just remember that his own teammates are the ones who came up with the nickname "twinkle toes" but you're right, some of the other name calling is a little over the top. NYScott
H. gave the Tuna complete control over football operations. Him stepping in would just undermind the Tuna.
Why should the Dolphins bend over and take next to nothing for Jason? I'd rather have him here and hope some of his intensity rubs off.
I don't see an extra 3rd and 4th round pick amounting to much in the rebuilding process.
Jason has become more important in his own mind than the team.
I say, stop acting like a baby and play here or retire.
This situation is not in a critical mode just yet.
We shouldn't overeact. Maybe the Trifecta has a back-up plan and can salvage a trade and get a player and/or a future pick.
Or as a last resort they can just release him outright and save cap room for next year.
I just don't think they going to stick with JT if it's as bad as you say it is. They are probably waiting for the right situation that's best for the team.
But its way to early to panic and say this is going to be a disaster.
oscar_g
Some one stated earlier that working-out in the off-season program is part of JTs job.
Actually, it's not. It's the off-season and it's called voluntary work-outs.
And JT can do what ever he wants in the off-season as long as he's ready for training camp. Besides, he's probably tired of the rebuilding crap. He IS a veteran player.
And the New Trifecta also has the right to run the team how they see fit. After all, they are trying to resurrect a franchise from the dead.
It's really not any body's fault.
JT just doesn't fit the plan of a youth movement.
oscar_g
Taylor is once again making a mistake. He undermined the last two coaches and thinks he can do it again.
I'm sure Bill knows how to handle another self inflated ego.
Jason played hard for years but now all he wants is fame and fortune.
Retire if you don't want to play!!!
Other wise, do like the rest of America does, show up to work, and do what we're told.
I guess you're too good for that.
DD
NYScott
Yeah, I know I came on a little strong. Probably because I was feeling groovy about the Phins' future and thinking we did 'good' in the draft and there was reason to possibly hope for a better future. Then I read Mando's blog and heard a few unfair JT shots and they culminated on top of a few nasty ones that I had read on other blogs so I just vented my feelings. I Love the Phins and JT is a Phin and so I'm a little LOL protective of them even when they suck. The fans of the Phins are my brothers, you included, and if anyone knows brothers, there's bound to be some heat between them. Guess I was just going after the more unruly comments, not just the one's here, and kind of popped off. But at the end of the day, I'm a Dolphin Man and so are most of the folks here and so I forgive and forget and get back to trying to be positive. Peace out.
Laquin: I appreciate your post and the manner with which you analyzed the situation. I never said JT will become a cancer. Clearly, I said he might not show up for training camp. I also said he might simply retire. It's hard to be a cancer when you're living in Hollywood and the team is training in Davie.
My point was that the situation could get ugly and become a DISTRACTION.
Anyway, I appreciate you being on here. And yes, the word [bs] is out of bounds and I would normally delete the post because of it. But I'll let it stand this time because, again, you made your argument quite well.
Jason Taylor and Derek Hagan for Chad Johnson and a '09 6th Round pick you heard it here first
Parcells is in charge now, so he'll ask whatever he estimates is good trade value for Taylor, if there are no takers, so be it. Taylor should be man enough and play his contract out. Nobody owes anybody anything. He played for the Dolphins, and the Dolphins payed him good money. The fallacy of him trying to go to another team to give it a run at a Super Bowl, well, he should have (see people not should of)asked for a trade before signing this contract or let the previous contract expired and go to free agency. So all this soap opera should end one way or another and if we do not find a trading parter for Taylor, he should play for the Dolphins or retire and go pursue his dreams in Hollywood.
Armando,
Thanks for the understanding, bro. I appreciate your giving me a pass on the cursing. How about 'bull-pucky'? Hah. I have really gotten ridiculously soft on my cussin' as I've gotten older. No 'F' word, but I still say 'Frank You' sometimes. Cheesy, but people get what I'm sayin'. Anyway, my earlier post was like that situation where someone said something that pissed you off and you sort of react to it later in a sort of 'what I should have said' kind of way. I am frustrated with the JT thing. I want him to play. I understand if he wants to go play for a championship. But more than anything, I want this whole thing to be over so I can deal with it one way or another. I shouldn't feel like I have to defend JT cuz he's been way cool. I can think of dozsns of joyful moments his play has given me being a fan is like these guys are in my family. The ones who do good for you, you love and respect. The one's who do bad for you, you love and hate. But I'm glad you're digging for the real news cuz' I wanna' know. We all do. So keep up the good work Mando. I'm not hating on you.
PS
Yeah, I misinterpreted your stance about him being a cancer. I was wrong. I just reacted. A bad fan jumping in with both feet. I think I accused others of this. I feel a little guilty, but mostly, I feel good. :)
Armando--you are spot on, as we say in Jersey. This is the worst crisis facing the Dolphins since Ireland's pre-draft gaffe, or perhaps since Tuna failed to sign Faneca & Hall.
If huizenga were to order parcell to lose face by releasing taylor and undermining his authority, then parcells would tell wayne where to go as he quit. We all attacked the fins for getting only a 2 for wes welker and what would be the reaction if jt had 12 sacks with another team and no compensation... The most important point, to run the 3 , 4 defense we need jt on the outside. Jt stays a fin unless we get a no 1 in the 09 draft .
THE MOST BONE HEAD TRADE 'WES WELKER.2ND BONE HEAD TRADE L BOOKER.
Quote- "Paul K, if you think me a hypocrite for telling people what is going on, then you need to find the definiation of a hypocrite and understand it better. You are in the shoot the messenger camp, buddy, but this messenger doesn't take being shot at lightly."
Armando, exactly what message are you referring to?
Quote- "If the Dolphins had strong leadership from managing partner Wayne Huizenga this would be over. The man who has employed Taylor for 11 years could easily step in and order Parcells and Ireland to trade Taylor. Case closed. He obviously hasn't done that for reasons only he understands."
That doesnt sound like a message to me... it sounds like an editorial and I believe that is what most of the negative commenters take exception with. Like most situations of this type there is more than enough blame to go around but at the end of the day one man cannot stand above the team... no need for me to disect it further, many other commenters have done so.
My issue is with your reporting. I realize that you have more license in a blog than a regular column to dispense your opinions, but as a veteran writer you should recognize the difference between responsible journalism and sensationalism. By all means, report the rumors provided they are clearly labelled as such, but chastising ownership cannot have any good come out of it.
You have always expressed opinions on what you think the Dolphins will or should do and regardless of whether they panned out or not served to give your readers insight to the machinations of the NFL and the Dolphins. This time however, I think you have stepped over the line.
As for my take on the situation, football is a tough business and it attracts tough, egotistical people. I hope it can be settled amicably, whether by trade or otherwise. If it doesnt, I love JT dearly but I love the Dolphins more so if he has to sit or retire, so be it. At least then the message will be clear that Wanny and Spielman have in fact left the building.
Jason Taylor and Joey Harrington should start a dance troupe together - The Jason and Joey Show. JH could play his little Linus piano, and JT could do a little tap dancing.
Kelly Z, if you read the thread, Paul K is accusing me of stoking the flames of controversy by bringing to light what is going on.
That is what I am talking about when I say he is wanting to shoot the messenger.
Capiche?
huizenga needs 2 step in and fire mando the dough dough. mando, relax, sit back and watch how tuna is gonna bring us back unlike jimmy j, wanny, saben and others failed 2 do so. also mando u r only a writer- compare your simple minded keyboard career to the YEARS of football experience of parcells and u mando, look like a clown trying 2 write how u know how this team should operate. plese mando.... please... time 4 u 2 push away from the buffet, excercise, and take a long vacation and just admire what parcells is doing!
Armando,
I re-read his post and have to admit that he is very vague in his comments. We obviously have construed it in different ways. It is senseless to debate what a third party meant in his post, but my point is that I think you are stoking the fire... not by reporting what is going on, but by chastising ownership. What we need more than anything else around here is stability. I dont necessarily buy in to the dream that BP will bring a championship here in 3 years, but at a minimum I think he can build a solid foundation and culture here before he takes off again. If Wayne compromises his authority, what possible good can come out of it other than JT getting traded? At best he will have lost the respect of the team, at worst he will pick up and go leaving yet another unfinished mess. We have had way too many of those in recent years.
Mando - are you reporting that JT is wondering why the owner won't step in? Or are you just wondering yourself? Thats what the issue is here - you are going after the owner/organization for not stepping in - at least thats why we interperet it to be. You are now saying that you are the messenger. That leads me to beliebe that JT is wondering why Wayne isn't stepping in...
Armando taylor was acting up during games last season didnt any body notice that almost every game he would act hurt and run to the locker room while all the tv cameras where watching him!!!! Then like superman he whould run out on the field like he was there to save the day. he did it most of the games.he was trying to get atention for a trade while we where having our worst season ever. We pay his salery whith our loaty to the team.He owes us, we dont owe him!!!!
NO way will I accept that this is somehow Huizenga-Parcells' fault. Sorry that JT feels dissed. Tough. He's getting paid.
Get your butt back to Davie, JT. Start lifting and nut up. He was DPOT two years ago, not last year. In fact, for as much as you called out Porter, Taylor didn't have a much better season during '07.
If he becomes a distraction its all on him.
Yup, CONFIRMED,
ARMANDO'S AN IDIOT. Your word as a man is translated from what was a hang shake 50 years ago, to a signature on paper. JT OWES US TWO MORE YEARS OR HE RETIRES.
Come on. Parcells has turned around Not one but Four Struggling Franchises and that's not motivating enough for TWINKLE TOES TO BE WITH HIS TEAMMATES. Man, I love JT but it Rich guys like this who forget the fans and the eleven years he put in with us. If he only got three years left. Than Let's Play for the Championship. Parcells hasn't given us a time table but he sure does have a great history.
Armando, why dont you flex some of that legendary muscle and give Gary Wichard a call and tell him to have a look at this blog. Whatever else one can say about JT, I dont think (or at least I hope) that he wants to damage his legacy in Miami. Not that I expect Wichard to care what us shmucks think, but if some of it gets through to JT, maybe he would wise up.
Somebody else did the same thing JT is doing now. Nick Satan was telling everyone that he would be back to coach another year and all the while working behind everyone’s back to land the Alabama job.
JT is telling everyone (when a camera is in his face) that he will be back to play for the Dolphins while telling his agent to get him traded. I don’t like that!
What GM on a championship caliber team is going to trade for a player who is not working out with his team?
Look, Wayne Huizenga said on Saturday he believes JT has a right to play for a championship team. He said he wants the best for JT. He said he is fine with trading JT.
If you say that, you get it done and get it over with. Wayne is Bill's boss, not the other way around. I'm not saying call a press conference where Huizenga says I'm overruling BP. It can be made to look like BP's idea for God's sake.
The point is the Dolphins always seem to do this. Last year they knew in April they were going to get rid of Daunte Culpepper but let it drag out until June or July and got ZILCH for the trouble. The player called their bluff and they had to back the heck down.
Well, I believe this player is going to call their bluff like there is no tomorrow.
I say cut the cord. Deaden the pain. BE DONE WITH IT!
You guys are debating whether JT will be here. I think that is a train that has left the station. I believe he ain't coming back, people. What part of holding out or retiring aren't you understanding?
So if that is the case, get what you can for the guy -- a second round pick next year -- then celebrate with a coke and a smile.
Kelly Z: They see this blog, all of them. Players, team staffers, agents, PR guys, GMs, the team president, ALL of them.
They all see what I am writing and what you guys are responding.
First, I have to wonder if Zach had not had such a serious injury, would this little "dance" between management and employee have occurred with him too?
Second, is it really the reporter's job to get this involved. It sounds kinda like you have become part of the story. I used to be a journalist, so forgive the question, but aren't you supposed to be outside looking in? Just the facts, sir.
Third, as for facts, we only know for certain that Taylor is still a Dolphin. Speculation and opinion have helped make this problem worse. You may be right about the direction this is going, but the media in the US helped get us into a war, many past wars too, so don't take it personally that I don't trust you.
Lastly, the bottom line is this: I am a fan. Everyone that writes responses here is a fan. But we are more than that. If Miami loses it's only interesting player, we - as a fans - may choose not to watch this team, pay money for memorobilia (crap) or go to games.
If your fans aren't pleased with your actions, the Miami Dolphins, it's management, owners, players and even it's sports reporters could wind up looking for jobs. Unlikely, sure. But you all should at least be reminded that America is rife with stupid diversions to keep our minds off our everyday lives. We choose to be fans of this team...just as I choose to read your stories. But take care that you all don't alienate us.
Know what I'm sayin'?
Well, if everybody's actually reading this...
Hey JT! So what if Bill and Tony yelled at you? That's what freakin' football coaches do, especially if you dance too much!
So get back as soon as you can, and hit the weight room. Word is Coach likes to see his players doing squats. Take Merling under your wing, slap that burger out of Soliai's hand, and know that we love you.
Bill is not going to give Jason away, He is trying to get the best deal possible, you do this by starting the biding high. Who knows,If jason would act like he's ready to play football again someone will pay the price. No one will pay it if they think Jason is unhappy, they will wait around for the fire sale. Jason isn't helping bill in this situation by sending out mix signals on his retirement. You are way off base when you expect Wayne to get involved. This would be Bill's last year in Miami if ownership told him what to do, and he will take everyone with him.
I agree with most that during the draft was the opportune time to make a trade. Every year this time, every team feels they stole the cat's pajamas in the draft and reality doesnt set in until the season starts. I think the only other conducive times for a trade are going to be towards the end of preseason and leading up to the trade deadline.
As far as the Culpepper comparison, ironically I think JT has less leverage than Daunte did. Daunte wanted to play, or at least went through the motions of such, forcing the team to lock him out because he was unwanted. The fact that the Dolphins have been asking such a high price for JT tells me that they DO want him to play but will talk to anyone foolish enough to ante up a pot of gold. So if he retires both parties have lost. If he sits, he loses a year that he cant afford at his age and the Dolphins flip him next offseason for the same 3rd round pick they would get now. Not sure what the salary cap implications would be if he sits... would love to hear your thoughts on that.
That all changes if Wayne steps in. I would love to know what BP privately thinks about his comments, I suspect there may already be friction on that end. Yes, Wayne is the boss and can make it happen if he chooses, but he has to weigh the team dynamic against the wishes of a single player albeit the face of the franchise.
I agree with Parcells. So what if Taylor got the cold shoulder, what did he expect? Our best and highest paid player is spending his offseason dancing while all of his teammates are working their asses off. What did Taylor expect his BOSS to say?
Parcells has an offseason program he expects his players to follow in order to avoid injuries and to become a more physical team. Taylor is not setting a good example for how Parcells wants his players to act. If Taylor wants to sit out or retire that is his problem. He will not dictate to Parcells. Besides, Taylor would be stupid to walk away from 8 million dollars.
I'm behind you Bill, we want hard-nosed tough guys. Taylor has become a primadonna.
Being a Dolphin fan and living in Texas, I am quite familiar with Parcells. And he had a sour relationship with T.O. Never calling him by name. But I have to admit, he was right. T.O. was and continues to care about himself only. Dont believe the act he put on this past year. Jason and Bill can be on the same page. But he will have to put the Dolphins 1st. Lets hope it happens.
Dolphin fans should be with Taylor on this one. Face it, he is simply the best defensive player we have ever had. He's put in a lot of years and done everything the team has asked of him. All he wants in return is to go out a winner and it's not going to happen with the Dolphins. It's not like he's asking for charity--a second pick from a winning team in exchange for him is a fair trade that would benefit both him and the team.
I'm franky suprised that so many people are taking Parcell's side on this. What the hell has he done for the team? Has he won a single game yet? Has he suffered through crap season after crap season--no!! Taylor has. And he's been NFL defensive player of the year and NFL man of the year in two of the worst seasons the team has ever had. Parcell's should show some respect instead of being a stubborn hard-ass. I can't blame Taylor for turning his attention to life after football and wanting to go out a winner with his health in-tact. I support Taylor whole-heartedly as should all other Dolphins fans.
"Late Sunday evening when I came to understand the full scope of the current relationship between Jason Taylor and Bill Parcells, I felt like the referee in the middle of a cable television wrestling match..."
This is hilarious. Armando actually imagines that Bill Parcells and Jason Taylor care what he thinks or need him to 'referee' their 'rift'.
And, oh yeah, EVERYBODY reads his blog and hangs on every word.
PFfffffftt...
I think BP & JT are laughing like hell right now.
Jason Taylor has earned more respect than Parcells is giving him. He's been a great Dolphin, a great member of the community, and always handles everything with class. Stop being a dick, Bill, and trade the guy for a 2nd and 4th round 2009 picks.
First I want to thank everyone who took the time to read my earlier post. As for the Mando subject. Hope it is ok to call you that because I don't know you personally. I agree that the is a rift forming. But like some have said if H steps in that causes a bigger rift between him and BP then with Taylor. H has already admitted he can't run this team and that is why BP is here. I'm sure they are trying to trade JT but unlike past coaches they are not going to give him away. So right now if there is no chance of being traded he has two options. And to some I myself do not think we owe JT anything. Ohh we should reward him for all the years of his hard work. I thought we did by paying him millions. In the 11 years he has chance to leave but didn't. I have an idea for JT. Let us trade spots. I'll be happy making 8 million and feel like I've been dissed.
It's amazing reading any comment or column questioning Bill Parcells and his efforts to rebuild the fins. How many super bowl / playoff caliber teams have you built? And, as far as Jason Taylor, I've always been a big fan. But, if he will be cool and report and play, I expect he will be traded ala Chris Chambers to a team that is close or loses that key player to injury later in the year. Then he and Miami will get what they want. And, as far a first rounder being too much, that's crazy. What's crazy is if Jacksonville thought the only thing keeping them from the Super Bowl was pressuring the QB (P. Manning), then who would you bet on being better, Taylor or Derrick Harvey. And don't give me the crap about JT's age. He is a young 30+ (unlike Zach (concussions)). And he's got at least 3 years left if he chooses to play. Who cares beyond that if you're a team that's close like Jacksonville and it gets you a Super Bowl. How many Super Bowls have they won thus far?
Ya know all you so called fans trashing Jason because of dancing. Are you kidding me? Calling him gay. Was Emmit gay when he won?. He happens to be dancing with beautiful women. And for all you homophobes who think dancing is easy why don't you try it. Take it from this dance teacher that there is a reason they say how hard it is. And who came blame Jason for wanting to finish his career on a high note. Our team has been stinky and he has given his all. I'm looking forward to this rebuilding even is that means it is without Jason
Mando,
Have you watched yesterday's dancing with the stars? what are your thoughts about JT's partner's dress colors?
Armando, no one disagrees with what Huizenga said. But that doesn't mean he will act on it. Nor should he. Even behind the scenes, there's a good chance Huizenga will damage the relationship with Parcells. He should stay out it and let the football guys handle it.
As you have reported, the Dolphins tried to deal him but there were no takers at the asking price.
So why should the Dolphins back down? Are you concerned that the Dolphins will lose out on a 2nd rounder by being stubborn? Far better to do that than to continue to give away good players like Wale Ogunleye at bargain prices.
If JT doesn't want to play for the Dolphins, he can retire. Parcells has already acknoweledged this, so where's the bluff?
The REAL question here you should ask yourself is whether or not Taylor is PREPARED to end his career early, and forfeit more than $15 MILLION to try and break into acting a year or two early at entry level wages (NO ONE in Hollywood is going to give JT a premier contract...not yet anyway). Maybe I am just slow on the up-take, but that seems like a really bad business and life decision. There's no guarantee he'll make it...more than likely he won't.
Parcells, quite frankly, has an excellent read on the situation, which is really quite different than Culpepper's.
You see, Culpepper was a carpetbagger whereas JT has deep roots in the community. JT doesn't want to mess that up. Also, the Dolphins WANT him, they didn't want Culpepper.
Taylor needs to accept the possibility that they may not trade him. He can show up to play or retire. Any holdouts and resulting fines will hurt JT far more than Parcells. Only JT loses in this situation.
Whomever is advising the guy is really doing a poot job.
Kelly Z: They see this blog, all of them. Players, team staffers, agents, PR guys, GMs, the team president, ALL of them.
They all see what I am writing and what you guys are responding.
If they do, and pay any attention to what YOU think needs to be done, then I weep for the future of this organization.
But the very idea of Bill Parcells giving a flying bowl movement about what Armando Salquero thinks of how he conducts his football operations is quite laughable.
You are not as important to this team as you think you are.
At least I pray that is true.
Mark W.
I did not see the dancing with the stars last night. I was still in dance class my self. Was there some significance to the colors she wore?
Folks, just remember one thing... Parcells may actually like Jason Taylor as a person and as a football player, but he absolutely must play the hard line on this. If he allows Taylor to get "special treatment" by not attending the "voluntary workouts" he opens Pandora's Box for any other player who thinks they can skip the workouts.
There is nothing else he can do but snub Taylor and send a message to the rest of the players that this is unacceptable. If this was a veteran playoff team with a solid base of player leadership he might concede somewhat but is in this early rebuilding stage it would be foolish to make an exception for any player including and especially Jason Taylor.
What this teams needs is players who will step up and lead us back to the top. Parcells knows this and Taylor is setting the worst possible example. Every other player on this team needs to understand unequivocally that if the don't want to be here then they will be sent packing. Taylor is only still here because a value trade has not yet presented itself. When it does he will be gone guaranteed.
she was wearing a teal, orange and white dress and he had eye black...
Sounds like it was a tribute to the fins to me. I plan on being a finfan no matter what. There has been many great players that have been traded from their team at the end of their careers. It is a business after all and unfortunately we the fans are stuck in the middle some times. But if you love the game you have to be a fan of JT's and I always will be.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3JiyJRJ4zM
Thanks Marcio for the u-tube connection. Jason is still obviously a dolphin at heart. I know I will have no trouble wearing my 99 jersey to games even if he is traded. He is a credit to our team and the league
Thank God we finally have someone in charge who puts the Dolphins well being FIRST !
BP has EVERY right to trade or NOT to trade JT.
If he wants to go dance,act,sing,play ping-pong....whatever,he can do it here or retire!
Stop your whinning,Jason there have been much better players than you who never won a Superbowl.
This whole situation is causing me to lose a lot of respect for a player I once loved.
Jason Taylor is showing a very selfish side I've never seen before.
So, point well taken Mando. The situation has changed post draft now that JT is still dancing on leave from the Dolphins...I really wish we could have negotiated a deal. As for a first rounder. IMHO, he is worth it, especially to that team one dynamic DE away from contention. However, there is an old saying..."If you want a puppy...ask for a pony"....he is certainly worth the 2nd rounder they would settle for.
I saw JT last night on DWTheStars. He is having fun, and in his element. It makes perfect sense that he heads to Hollywood and tees up the rest of his career of fame and fortune......good for him. Not a bad job if you can get it.. Life goes on.
BUT, both sides need to give. JT owes it to his team mates to do the right thing. There should be some consideration to management as he has been treated fairly. It would be nice if he would be concerned about how the fans perceive him, but I am afraid that we are at the bottom of the list in his mind.
He can help himself by toning down the public proclamations/demands to be traded..he undermines his own position, or more importantly he undermines the negotiating ability of Phins management to get him to a new team and get fair value for him. BP and company can sit back and figure out a way to handle this situation to minimize distractions. As you said Mando, they hold the cards and power, so let them use it for the team good and not make the problem bigger than it should be.
I'll take Lito Sheppard and a 2nd rounder next year.
Mando, as I have noted to you in the past, hang in there. There are so many armchair writers out there who insist on spending time telling you how to do your job, critics without a clue...would'nt it be nice if you could visit them in the boiler-room bathrooms and comment on their janitorial toilet cleaning capabilities?
kdee said
would'nt it be nice if you could visit them in the boiler-room bathrooms and comment on their janitorial toilet cleaning capabilities?
i haven't laughed that hard in a long time. i agree with you. too funny
And now ESPN is reporting that the Dolphins DID NOT have a specific asking price. They say that the Dolphins were feilding calls but never made a specific request on a draft pick. WTF? Does anyone know the truth because this is the third different story I have heard in as many days. SOMEONE IS LYING IN THE MEDIA. There can't be three different stories that are all true so someone is lying. NYScott
Woops,fielding. NYScott
Following an earlier post, Dolphin fans should side with Taylor on this. The claim that he's being selfish is besides the point. Certainly he's being somewhat selfish--but why shouldn't he want to get a chance to win a superbowl after playing with a bad team for so many years? After all, that's what most NFL players strive for more than anything else. If you could leave your job for a much better one, wouldn't you want to?
Parcell's stubbornness here seems to be based on nothing other than his ego and making sure he can enforce his will on whoever he chooses. As for the claim that he needs to be a hard-ass with Taylor in order to make a statement, that's a bunch of crap. If he ends up trading Taylor for a second round pick, it will not be perceived as giving in. It's what the damn market is offering and it's the best move for the team. He's tried getting a first-round pick and there are no takers. Trading Taylor is not giving in--it's smart. Will Taylor help this team make the playoffs in his next two years (if he plays this long)? Almost certainly not. Will a second round pick (and a fourth?) help in the future towards the playoffs? Probably so. Make the damn trade, Bill. Help your team and help one of the best Dolphins ever achieve his career goal. And do it now, while his value is likely to be as high as it's going to get.
It's pretty funny. As soon as Mando posted that players read this blog people started kissing JT'S butt. Don't worry everyone, JT isn't going to find out where you live and tackle you!
I am with JT on this. The guy has given heart and soul to the Dolphins for 11 years. He got paid but they wasted his career here.
Now the team is rebuilding and having a 34 year old player from a previous regime bitching and moaning about being here makes no sense. It's not like the Dolphins are building for a 2008 championship run.
Trade the guy and continue building for 2010.
And by the way, I appreciate your reporting Armando. You wrote last week the Dolphins weren't trading Taylor. Meanwhile, I go on the sunsentinal website over the weekend and they're reporting that JT has been traded. What a joke those guys.
Wayne hired Parcells for this very reason; Wayne doesn't have the cojones to be the a hole. I'm sure if it were up to him, he would've traded him for a 3rd or 4th, just to be nice. Then all of you would be complaining that Wayne was a chump for letting JT get away for nothing in return. He's damned if he does/damned if he doesn't. Let Tuna run the show, that's why he was hired. Watch and see, we'll get at minimum a 2nd round draft pick from some team who thinks they are on the verge and a pass rusher away. Also, when bargaining, you always start high or low (depending on your position); some of you people must get constantly ripped off. Do you go to a car dealership and accept the offer or leave? No, you haggle it out until you come to a compromise.
NMPhinPhan
It's obvious players read this blog because Jay Feely said as much on a radio show interview he did with Armando a few months back.
He actually showed Armando respect -- which is more than I would show any Spic.
One more thing...just think about how well Jason Taylor will be received by Dolfans and the community in general by showing up and being professional about the whole thing. No one blames the guy for wanting to end it with a winner. Just remember that the window in Miami isn't yet closed. If Strahan can do it (15th season), so can JT...and he's better and in better condition than Strahan!
Armando and Everyone else,
A few questions I have for Debate.
If the Dolphins are rebuilding, why keep Taylor with 2 years left on his contract? He won't play for the dolphins after his contract expires because he wants to win and they obviously don't care about leadership because they released Zach Thomas.Why not trade him while they can get value for him. Why did the Dolphins release Zach Thomas and then trade for his back-up? Why did the coach staff compliment Booker and say they need to use him more and then trade him for a 4th round pick. He was a receiving option that we lack and could help the quarterback develop as an option to dump off to. They then use 2 draft picks on RBs, why? Does the coach staff believe that next years draft is going to be deep in WRs and CBs so that they didn't feel the need to draft them this year? If QB was a need, why not draft Ryan instead of Henne or if it wasn't a need, pick-up a qb later in the draft and draft a CB or WR in the 2nd instead? Would trading Taylor for Sheppard be a good idea that could work? We would get much needed help and youth in the secondary and Taylor could go to a team that has a chance to make the playoffs? A lot of questions, but things that I think make sense and I looking for opinions. Thanks Mike
I love JT but if he did not want to play here, he should not have signed his name to the contract.
One question, has Taylor ever said he would renegotiate his $8 million contract if a trade could be made? Did I miss that statement by him? Now add $8 million on to a 34 year old player and you can see why no trade has happened. Taylor says he wants to go to a winner but he is not willing to give up the cash...
All he has to do is show up and play and he gets his $8 million. Parcells is calling Taylor's bluff. Jax would have traded a 1st rounder for him if he would have said he would play for $2 million and don't think for a second these conversations did not happen.
Remember the Parcells rule; don't be a celebrity QB. I think that rule applies for tutu dancing DEs as well.
I used to have respect for your opinion Armando. This last blog has definitely changed my mind. Bill Parcells is the boss. Not Taylor or for that matter you. Taylor needs to decide, football or hollywood. Please, he is no actor, he is a football player.
Mando,
How much make-up did you put on for that dolphins preview on the NFL NETWORK. lolol
Armando,
Another good post. I believe the consensus of the prior postings is that JT does have several good years left if he is properly motivated by being with a team that is in playoff contention. Unfortunately, the Fins will be rebuilding the next few years and do not meet his expectations.
However, it is in JT's best interests to continue to be a team leader, help with the rebuilding process by being a mentor to some of the younger players, and continue to play at a high level this year. Why? Because Bill & company know that their best option is to trade him for as high a value as they can get when the oppportunity presents itself.
Unfortunately, that did not happen in time for the 2007 draft and I blame JT. By indicating he might retire in the near future and showing up on the show that will be nameless, all he did was look like a celebrity girlie man with the nickname " Mr. Softie." If he wants special treatment- too bad, he already makes millions and we are still not a playoff football team. I do not see Tom Brady or any other active players being so selfish.
Ultimately, he will be traded when the price is right. If he holds out or mouths off, he will only hurt his trade value more and it will take longer to get rid of him. Once the season starts and the injuries pile up, some desperate team will want him for the right price.
So my advice to JT is to be a good team player, work your butt off, and have some monster games at the beginning of the season, and the rest will take care of itself.
My biggest fear is that he decides to ignore this advice and be a detriment to the team along with some other disgruntled veterns like Joey "Throw him out with the Trash" Porter and it delays the rebuilding process like you indicated. In that event, it will still be way more entertaining than watching "Mr. Softie" dance on TV!
Hey, I saw Armando on NFL Network also. Looking good playa.
You are a triple threat -- TV, radio, newspaper/internet.
Armando Are you out of yout mind? While huizenga is the owner any attempt by him to undermine parcells authority would bring a swift resignation, and public uproar ahainst wayne. The truth is taylor caused the mess, and parcells has said in 08 jt will be a fin or retired. This has become a power struggle and wayne will stay clear, unless he wants to have to replace parcells. Let things play out and if taylor chooses to retire and become myr hollywood, i wish him godspeed. I think he ends up as the fins outside linebacker and then DURING the season is traded to a contender.
Armandito, I see that the Jason Taylor story has gone national.
You are getting props for it on ESPN's website and the NFL Network also mentioned it on their update today. Good for you.
But isn't it time for a new post? This one has been up for two days ... feed me, Mandy!
Props to you for getting the countrywide attention! I just hope that the national media outlets don't assume your opinions are a good representation of the true local fanbase, because they are not. JT has given a lot to So Fl, but that doesn't mean he is allowed to look down on all of us. King JT needs to be royalty on the field, not on the TV.
JT is going to be traded during training camp. It isn't going to get ugly, it already is. And JT's comments that he is not yet ready to come home has a ring to it that may man he likes the glitz and football is now secondary. JT plays 1 maybe 2 years and retires on another team. Just watch and see.
Miami will be paying him 8 million dollars next year. Boo effin whooo. I feel terrible for Jason Taylor.
Thanks Armando. Nice reporting. I don't believe Mr. H. could lead a group of condemed men in silent prayer. He exhibits weak leadership, but I still love the man. Coach (TS) should speak to the Football Czar (BP) and ask him to step aside on this issue, then extend an olive branch to JT. I think BP will accomodate TS on this request. JT will come home. Everyone saves face. Case solved. As for you Armando, stay out of this mess. Do not broker a peace plan for them. You have effectively identified and reported the problem. Let the Dolphins fix this very "embarrassing" self-inflicted sucking chest wound they've created. JT is the NFL Man of the Year, a future HOF, and in peak physical condition. Give me a break! Nuff said.
DONT VOTE FOR HIMON DANCING WITH THE STARS AND MAYBE HE'LL GET OLD A55 BACK TO WORK,,,
BOO-HOO! I want to win a championship. My coach ignored me after my fabulous cha-cha routine on tv. My best friend whose sister I'm porking is playing for the cowboys. I'm only gonna get 8 melons this year. JT.
Armando,
How Parcells negotiates the JT situationor how Huizenga intervenes in Parcells´decisions have an impact beyond the JT situation. If Huizenga ordered Parcells to trade or not trade players, this would undermine Parcells´ responasbility and make it a shared one and also undermine Parcell´s authority. Also it would signal that some players can circumvent the staff and foster chaos long'term. How would Shula have done with an owner telling him what to do_ Let Parcells do his job.
If Parcells bowed down to JT´s pressure then that would encourage othr players and agents to pressure the Dolphins into trading for low choices etc.
Even if JT retires and we get nothing for this, I will support Parcels for bringing in a tougher approach, not only with players but with agents---if we continue trading badly or bowing down to agents, the Dolphins will never be back in the Super Bowl.
Rick,
Fan since 1982
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