Peter King has lost credibility with me personally after a few of the recent articles. It seems funny that he'd come out with an article basically condemning Parcells when everyone knows he has Parcells in his back pocket...Just seems weird to me...

At any rate, if JT thinks that he's made himself to be clean in all this, he's fooling himself...sure, he hasn't publicly said much of anything about this situation, but neither has he denied anything as well. IMHO, this whole thing is about JT and what he has planned for himself and nothing to do with what Tunaland or Sparano have said or done...

 

Good read on Tarvaris Jackson on page 1 as well.

 

Peter King is a hack

 

The team has clearly handled this poorly. They should have made no comment. And JT shouldn't respond either, nothing good can come of it. Everybody has their opinions about who was in the wrong, but regardless of that, Sparano's statement made it worse.

 

how does it fan the flames to simply state what he was told by Jason Taylors or his agent;

all he was doing was informing "us" of what he had been told. NOT that he didn't want Jason, but that he didn't want us.

 

I agree, I don't understand why Sparano (you'd have to assume he was instructed by Parcells in the background) had to make that statement. We all know the front office and JT were not seeing eye to eye and a seperation is inevitable, but that statement seemed to serve no purpose other than to make it personal.

 

I dont agree. What is obvious through Sparano's statement is that the information of JT not being a part of training camp etc.. came from somewhere. Likely JT and/or his agent. Theres no way Sparano, Ireland, or Parcells himself would come out and say something like that if they werent already informed of it through the player or his agent. Thats my opinion though...

 

Agreed 100%.

 

Heres the bottom line IMO... If its true that Jason Taylor requested a trade because we suck and he doesnt want to be part of the rebuilding process, if thats true then i say screw that and srew him. iam not one of those people who believe it is your right to play for a contender. abandoning my team when there down is something i have no respect for, especially if we are willing to pay your salary.

I would of been fine if he said i just wanna do the show and then be 100 committed in helping turn my team around.

Heres what i have a hard time believing...If Jason wanted to play for another team so bad then how could he of been so stupid to go on national TV and profess his passion for acting and talk about life after football, talk about not helping your cause. not smart Jason or Jasons agent.

Something is wrong here, something doesnt make sense, i have suspicians and here they are. We dont know if Jason was the first to ask for the trade, IMO it is not in his character to think like that. so where does that leave me. My theory is, Jason found out somehow that we were gonna try to trade him probably around the same time when Zach found out, once he found that out, all loyalty goes out the window and its Jason worrying about Jason, which i then, can totally understand.

So to me it comes down to who said what FIRST, something that we have yet to find out, If it was Jason then IMO he deserves all the hostility hes getting from our fans that bleed the aqua. If it was parcells and company, then i dont blame him for wanting out and playing hardball.

My instinct tells me that He found out that we didnt want him anymore.

 

First of all, let me be clear that I have cheered for Jason Taylor for years. He is great to watch, an incredible talent, and has given me many treasured Dolphins memories (like the Air Jordan move crossing the goal line on his INT returns, or his destined-to-be-remembered Chicago Bears game after Kooch called the team out for sucking). As much as I like Jason, I *love* the Dolphins. I have those priorities straight. Now let's proceed...

The fact is that it is no secret at all in league circles that Taylor absolutely wants out, so Jason's market value is already being low-balled by everyone.

The difference is that a little pretend game of "everything is okay" was going on simply to save Jason face... but why? Really? I mean, this is the honest situation: Jason wants out and is at odds with the Front Office.

Every fan already knew it so I can bet you every single NFL personnel guy knew it. Putting this out in the public doesn't affect his market value a bit, compared to before, as the personnel men know now what they knew two weeks ago.

The difference is that now Jason doesn't get to pretend he is co-operative while he is not. I don't want to hear any more self-contradictory statements from him about 'football coming first', or promising he'll be at all the camps, and then doing the opposite of what he's saying. Sparano calling a spade a spade in publlic certainly intensifies the situation but turning up the heat on Taylor, where it *should* be.

That's right, the heat should be on Jason since he is the one who has apparently been maneuvering to get out of town. The organization should not have to (and does need to) hurt itself by giving Jason away for next to nothing. You don't sell a $50,000 investment for $5,000 just because someone's complaining about it (Jason). That's called making a bad business decision for emotional reasons. You get the most you can for your investment, or KEEP it. That's just smart. The Dolphins organization was not created in order to merely help Jason achieve a perfect state of self-actualized life-fulfillment. The Miami Dolphins organization exists to compete and win NFL games, and should make its decisions based on that.

Some will argue, "Well, then Jason will just retire, or hold out and be a distraction to this new team."

To that I say, he won;t be a 'distraction', he'll be an *example*. I don't mind players having to witness a me-first player who wants to get out of town being shown that the good of the many outweighs the good of the one. If you buckle now, trading Jason for less than his real value because NFL teams are sitting like vultures, assuming you *have* to deal him, then your front office will lose leverage in every future negotiation it attempts with other teams.

What's worse, if Jason dictates how and when he leaves town, get ready for a line-up of pouty players over the next four years wanting to renegotiate contracts, ask for trades, or demand whatever it is they want, knowing this front office is one that caves-in when there is a standoff.

And don't think that wouldn't also undermine and permeate the level of respect for the authority structure in the organization, in the locker room, and even the coaching staff (despite there being no direct link to Sparano in the decision process here, if a player doesn't respect the organization, it'll show in how they respond to their 'boss'... the Head Coach).

There are two things we would gain by moving Taylor: 1) all of us being less uncomfortable 2) a fourth round pick.

1) Just because something is unpleasant doesn't mean people shouldn't have the balls to endure it, *especially* if it's for the greater long term good. I could care less about if we dislike hearing all the press about this, or if Jason is upset. We aren't making a Superbowl run this year so the distraction and hurt feelings are far less important than what is being gained.... a *higher* pick in a trade and/or a strong message about the power structure and acceptable player attitude in this town.

2) If Lorenzo Booker is worth a 4th, then Jason Taylor fans surely must believe *he* is worth a *lot* more than that. The defensive MVP two seasons ago? Still healthy. In good shape. Double digit sacks last year. How many Pro Bowls? Possible Hall of Famer. It would be robbery for a team to swap us a 4th for Taylor. Robbery. So I don't care whose tender feelings are bruised, who cries, nor how much, the parent must set the rules, and teach other teams and our personnel which rules the new Miami Dolphins play by.

The expectations we set in the 2008 Jason Taylor confrontation will become the identity of this team around the league's offices, press boxes and locker rooms for years to come.

When I look at the benefits of trading Jason versus the costs... the choice is clear to me: only trade Jason for what he is truly worth. Otherwise, Jason stays a Dolphin or must retire.

Bpk

 

While I was watching NFL Network today it said on the bottom line that the Dolphins will not trade Taylor unless it's for a first round pick.

So I see Taylor staying here, in Miami.

 

I have yet to see anything that confirms JT has said he won't be in TC or any OTA's, I suspect this is Parcells exerting his authority, making an "example" out of JT to show who's boss. He's done this with one popular player everywhere he's gone.

 

I think for starters he responded to a question that was asked.

He was candid, it seems that they were trying to basically address the past few months of JT whispering to the press about how they should rip up his contract because he is 'ready' to move on with HIS career.

All of those articles citing unnamed sources close to JT, are really JT trying his best not to come off like Ocho Cinco, when really it is EXACTLY the same situation.

 

Coming public with it is calling JT out. Obviously JT was trying to keep this between him and the front office, keep it in house. The front office is responsible for making this public. Lots of things are said within organizations, families, friends, etc, making them public is almost always a mistake. This was the front office slapping JT in the face and painting him as the bad guy. It was calculated and for a reason. I don't agree with it. It lowers his value and basically forces JT's departure to be bitter which it doesn't have to be. The front office doesn't want JT here, they've made that clear how people can blame JT for not wanting to be here anyone just mystifies me. The front office has made it clear he isn't wanted so he is moving on. He tried to do it with some class I think a guy with his track record deserved that much.

 

Its not the same as the Ocho Cinco situation at all. Ocho Cinco wants more money thats his reason. Ocho Cinco is on a playoff caliber team, JT wouldn't be doing this if the Phins were competitive. Ocho Cinco has been on radio shows and TV blasting his front office and team mates openly. JT has been keeping things behind the scenes. The objectives of the situations are different as well as the way they've been handled. I'm amazed that anyone thinks they are the same.

 

excellent post BPK, right smack on the money. ck had a thread along the same lines. business is business, you don't sell your product for less than what it is worth, its bad business. jt is under contract here to play football for 7.5 mill this season. he's a heck of a ball player and we could really use him this season and next. you don't get rid of him cause it just so happens to fit his personal schedule of becoming a movie star. i believe we will move jt if we get adequate compensation, i believe we have tried to move jt but no one has offered adequate compensation believing our backs were against the wall and had to get rid of the guy. thats BS, he has a contract, he honors it or he pays fines and sits or retires. this approach is in the long term best interest of the miami dolphins franchise, i love it.

 

I see it that way too, because King is somewhat right in the sense we have killed JT's value and we won't give him away so the only other option is to keep him, leaving JT the only option of not reporting, and of course not getting BIG paychecks.

 

The problem I have with Taylor at this point, is that he desires to move to a super bowl competitor-type team because it would be better marketing for his post-NFL career. Makes you wonder if his off-season work within the community was for his love of those he was helping, or his love of himself.

If so, then if he is unable to win an NFL championship, or his acting career fails to take off, he will be left with an empty vanity. All the work he's done would be a sham.

 

if you believe the front office does not want one of the premier pass rushing ends in the league, 1 year removed from defensive player of the year, probable hall of fame player. then i can not even debate the issue with you, i have seen no indication that parcells, sparano, or ireland do not want taylor to play in miami. the guy can be an absolute terror in this scheme and i think they would love to have him playing here

 

I don't think the "team" did Ronnie. I think Jason and his mouth did that for us. He has shot off his mouth and diminished his trade value thus cutting off his own nose to spite his face. He has made his bed, now, he just might have to sleep in it.

 

I agree, he hasn't help matters any, but I do think we could have gotten a 2nd rounder in the 07 draft for him, but their insistence for a 1st made it impossible for us to move him and as a result JT got frustrated with that, and now has become a nuisance for us to the point we can't get fair value for him. Most teams are not stupid, they know he's acting up and they are going to hope that as this drags on we might be willing to move him for close to nothing.

It's been a situation from hell from the get go, and it is a shame it has come to this.

 

Here is my take on this thing guys. First of all it's still May and alot can change before TC plus others have done this very same thing to a Parcells team, LT, and he came in at the end of TC and the Giants won the SB that year. Second Who knows what will happen injury wise between now and opening day we could still get that #1 pick. And lastly JT is not going to make or break this team. Do I like him, YES, will I be sorry to see him go, YES, but will it effect the way I feel about this team, JT or no JT, Hell no!

Next problem! :wink2:

 

Not possible. Every time we do this, JT does an interview or makes an appearance that puts him back in the spotlight. And he does it intentionally.

Sidney Rice is a better quarterback than Tarvaris Jackson. The Vikings aren't going anywhere.

 

They were 8-8 with a borderline legendary run defense (anyone remember the 2006 game?) and one of the greatest rookie seasons in NFL history. The entire premise Jackson is operating under, that the Vikings can do big things because they beat the eventual Super Bowl champions, doesn't fly with me. Hey, Tarvaris, if you're that good, why couldn't your team beat anyone else?

If the Vikes make the playoffs, they do it as a wild card and lose in the first round to the 3 seed.

 

I think they'd rather have a 2nd round pick next year don't you? Considering its been admitted that they want to trade him I think its obvious they'd rather not have him over a draft pick. Sure if no one is going to offer anything they will keep him, they aren't stupid but look at our draft, I think its obvious they wanted to move him and get younger on defense. I don't think they'd love having him now the bridges have been burned.

 

What has JT said? He's always maintained he wants to play football. This front office told him they'd rather move him so he's moved on. I can't believe people don't understand this. Most of the people blasting him would do the exact same thing if a front office told you they'd rather have a draft pick and move on. At that point you look out for yourself. I guess over 10 years of HOF play don't buy much slack these days from the fans.

 

Jasons actions say other wise. can't recall him at any of the workouts.


dancing in Hollwood isn't where he should have been...I think jason was trying to force his hand and Parcells won't play that crap.I do like jason but I don't think hes above the team.

 

This whole argument is pointless and old. I'm moving on, JT is very likely not in our future so I really don't care about him anymore. I wish him well, and don't let the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya.

 

at this point they apparenly want him more than a 4th round draft pick which is rumored to have been offered and turned down. its very difficult to figure out what the parties really want here because all we get as fans is espn and the nfl network and other media sources to base our speculations on and rest assured we don't have nearly all the info needed to make intelligent decisions. they want taylor up until a certain compensation threshold and then the front office will deal him. but i think thats the case for just about anyone. as far as burning bridges, they can be repaired fairly quickly also. if jt shows up for training camp, as stipulated in his contract, works hard and is generally a part of the team and good team mate then all this blows over imo

 

I suppose the most important thing is also the one we know nothing about: who first indicated interest (even indirectly, through a 3rd party) in Jason's departure?

If Parcells and co. let JT know they wanted to move him, then *some* of JT's feelings make more sense. his feelings still don't mean he gets to determine how or when the Phins choose to deal him (or not deal him). It would just mean JT could be more understood for feeling hard-done-by.

If the intimations first came from Jason, then I stand by everything I said above in my earlier post.... X 2.

Now, it might be a bit of each... like a relationship that both people sorta know is over.... do you blame the first one to bring it up?

Bpk

 

I think it's a shame that Peter King's complete re-tread of a note has actually drawn some earnest discussion on here about the Jason Taylor situation.

King's note brought absolutely nothing new to the table. It didn't have any inside info, no new insight, no angle that hadn't already been explored a hundred times.

Then, he finished it off by quoting Sparano's answer to three separate and repetitive questions, smushed together into one paragraph to where it gives the impression Sparano said it all without break, and then said that Sparano "rambled". Uh, sorry Petey. If you actually WATCHED the thing you'd notice that he said what he was going to say, said he won't say any more, and then the reporters asked him to say more twice and that is why he had to repeat himself.

Notice, if you click on the link now, his note has been edited to include a link to the video along with a note of "thanks" to Miami PR man Neal Gulkis. Basically, what happened is someone flamed King for the part about "rambling" and then misquoting Sparano, so King made it more clear he was talking about the "transcript" and then included a link to the video to appease the flamers, and then "thanked" Gulkis in order to subtlely shift the blame onto Gulkis for recording the transcript as all one answer instead of putting in the separate repetitive questions.

So, King went with an old and tired angle, then finished it off with irresponsibly misquoting someone and then offering crtical commentary off the misquote. Great job, Pete.

 

I whole-heartedly agree with both what you have said here and in your blog about this situation. BP and Co are going to showing everyone, the inmates do NOT run the asylum here!

I personally don't care for BP and his arrogance, but I love his "old school" atttitude about "it's the team, not the players". You play 100% for the team or get the hell out of town!

 

Hey CK, maybe we should start a website that critiques piss poor Sportswriters and call them out when the write uninformed and unresearched analysis. nice post.