This Tuesday, the NFL announced that the Miami Dolphins will be forced to forfeit their 2023 first-round draft pick and 2024 third-round draft pick for tampering. The Dolphins owner Stephen Ross is also suspended through Oct. 17 following an investigation into whether the organization compromised the integrity of the game, reported NFL.com.
This situation is a bit layered! The Dolphins are being investigated for league tampering rules with Buccaneers QB Tom Brady and retired HC Sean Payton. The second is on the franchise intentionally losing games in 2019 to gain better draft capital for the future of the franchise.
“The investigators discovered extensive and serious tampering violations,” stated NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “I am not aware of any previous cases where a team has violated the tampering rules by targeting both a head coach and star player, potentially affecting multiple other clubs, over several years. Similarly, I am not aware of any previous instances where ownership has been directly involved in such violations.”
“Those discussions began no later than early December 2021 and focused on Mr. Brady becoming a limited partner in the Dolphins and possibly serving as a football executive. Although at times they also included the possibility of his playing for the Miami Dolphins,” the league said in Tuesday’s release. “Both Messrs. Ross and (Dolphins vice chairman/limited partner Bruce) Beal were active participants in these discussions.”
Patriots cheated to win.
Miami cheated to lose.
How bout dem draft picks Dolphins fans 🤣 pic.twitter.com/egKYlB0dCV— Master At Work (@MasterAtWorkinc) August 2, 2022
The Miami Dolphins Played Stupid Games Now They win Stupid Prizes
NFL Network insider Ian Rapport reported Tuesday evening that Brady and Payton won’t be obligated to any NFL discipline. However, Ross’s fine is $1.5 million and the NFL committees are banishing him indefinitely. As of recently, Ross expressed his disdain in the statement he left via Twitter. He may not agree with the decision but he must live with the consequences even subjecting his organization to these potential allegations.
“I completely disagree with the findings and the penalty regarding tampering,” stated Ross in a statement on Tuesday. “Nevertheless, I will respect the result since the priority is to avoid any disruptions for our team as we embark on a thrilling and successful season. I won’t let anything hinder our progress.”
Statement from Stephen Ross. pic.twitter.com/Ori647H0oF
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) August 2, 2022
