Taylor-Parcells not talking bother you? [Updated]

Everybody's talking about the Jason Taylor Sunday Conversation on ESPN last night.

Everybody's talking about JT's desire to be known more for acting than football 10 years from now when he's 43 years old.

Everybody's talking about him saying he's in "five times better shape now than when I was defensive player of the year."

Everybody's talking except for Jason Taylor and Bill Parcells.

Am I the only one that finds this odd, bizarre, weird, out of the ordinary and otherwise strange? Bill Parcells sits down and has lunch with Ricky Williams, talks to much less gifted players on the team, seemingly meets with Jeff Ireland every five minutes, but since taking over as the Dolphins football czar he and Jason Taylor have talked all of 30 seconds?

I wrote about that 30-second communication in a column I wrote in late April. Taylor confirmed that communication (or lack of it) during his Sunday conversation. "I haven't talked to him so I really don't know him," Taylor said of Parcells. "I met him, obviously, for 30 seconds ... But I don't know him."

So let me try to work this out in my mind: The best player on the Dolphins and the man redirecting the Dolphins future have crossed paths for all of 30 seconds since DECEMBER when Parcells was hired. Does that not seem strange to anyone but me?

The one and only meeting between these two men includes the time, which I also detailed in that linked column, in which Taylor tried to visit with Parcells and was rebuffed.

This sounds like a junior high relationship for goodness sake.

Why hasn't Bill Parcells picked up the phone and called Jason Taylor? Why hasn't Taylor picked up the phone and called Parcells? They have some things to iron out, don't you think?

If, indeed, Parcells intends to hold Taylor to the Dolphins as he has said, it kind of makes sense to have communication with the guy. If, indeed, Taylor plans to play for the Dolphins in 2008 as he has said publicly, it kind of makes sense to keep trying to communicate with Parcells even if The Big Tuna continues to give him the Big Brush Off.

So why the chill?

Do I have to spell it out for you?

Behind the scenes this is a fractured relationship and, as I have written on this blog and in my columns, Taylor doesn't want to play for the Dolphins in 2008. He wants to be traded to a playoff team. His agent has called Parcells and Ireland and even owner Wayne Huizenga various times to tell them that.

A lot of you have criticized me for reporting this because you call it gossip. That's because you said I could point to no public quote in which either party claimed any sort of rift. Well, when the team's best player goes on ESPN and admits he doesn't speak with the guy who is running the team, I believe the gossip is looking a lot like fact.

One more thing: Don't tell me everything is fine because JT and coach Tony Sparano have been exchanging text messages. How many of you would feel comfortable getting kudos from your immediate boss while knowing HIS BOSS is angry at you?

Anyway, I've added a poll to allow you to give further opinion. Take the poll and I'll give you indepth results not available in the percentages later.

Discuss...

[Evening update: It is 7:30 which is 6 1/2 hours since I posted the poll. To this point 838 people have taken the poll which means approximately 128 people every hour are taking the poll. Most of the people taking the poll are from Florida, as one might expect, but there is a ton of people from California, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hamphire, Vermont, Maryland, New Jersey, Mississippi, Louisiana and the Atlantic states taking the poll.

Interestingly, no one from Wyoming or Oregon or North Dakota has taken the poll. Guess there are very few Dolfans there. Internationally, folks from Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina, and Candadian friends in Quebec, Ottawa, Prince Edward Island, Montreal, Edmonton and Vancouver have taken the poll.

On the other side of the great oceans, there is so far one participant from South Korea, one in Israel, Poland, and Serbia. There is one participant in The Netherlands. There were multiple participants from the United Kingdom and Germany. There is one participant in Malaysia and several in Australia.

I tell you this because I find it interesting to what degree Dolphins fans will go to find information about their teams -- regardless of how far from South Florida they are. I commend you. In the future, I will continue to give you insights about the polls on this blog. And, by the way, since I started writing this update, 24 votes have been cast bringing the total to 862 and adding Bermuda to the participating countries.]

Opinion Polls & Market Research

Comments

[Mando torrey]

wake me up when Taylor misses a MANDATORY activity; otherwise, you're just LeBatard Jr. trying to stir up some controversy.

[john]

Mando,
Right now, Bill Parcells is working hard to make the MIAMI DOLPHINS better.
Jason Taylor is not.....

[Kibby]

This is just stupid. You don't reach out to your most important player even to say 'hey, i'm glad to be working with you'. Parcells is being a spoiled baby about this. He's obviosly ticked because JT is dancing and not working out in the weight room with the team. Give me a break Tuna!

[FERNANDO]

I think that what JT is doing is good for the team, and when he needs to be there im sure he will. (if they dont kick him out before)

[Geraldo]

It's an unfortunate situation. Hard to blame either man for their feelings. JT did not perform well at the beginning of last season, but one can certainly understand his being fed up with this pathetic organization. I wanted Mueller & Co to trade him and Thomas last year, but I think we can count on him to give his all if he's with the team again this season.

[nusens]

Man the dude wants to be an actor. How do we know him and Parcels are not acting right now just for the sake of havin fun with them good ol media boys...and gals. It might be a junior high relationship but you sure are feedin into it like a junior high chick Mando.
If he stays, GOOD. If he goes, SO WHAT AND GOOD LUCK. We've lived in this city long enough to know that as soon as one of the new cats step up and get wrapped in the media machine we'll forget about this. So good luck to you JT. Whatever your decision is.

[B-Man]

Que Serra. Whatever will be will be. You will know what happens when he either a) gets traded or b) plays for the team. See? Its that simple. I wouldn't get your panties in a bundle about this. Have a drink - maybe mix in a nap ... relax.

[John R]

There has to be some objective behind Parcell's actions. Although we can't see it that doesn't mean there isn't some point. I've never thought JT was as good as advertised becasue of his nicks that take him out a series or two every game and his lack of run support and leadership. How many times did you see him step up and rally the team like Ray Lewis does? Could it Parcells thinks Taylor has been coddled his whole career and isn't going to do that anymore? Who do we have more faith in: a Coach who has a track record of success or a player that has never accomplished anything as a team member except playoff flameouts and playoff absences?

[Bijan Himself]

It seems very obvious to me that Ireland and Parcells are content to revamp the roster to their style. If you think about it, they've only been around a few months and the number of players drafted by other Dolphins coaches remaining on the team is getting smaller and smaller.

I wouldn't question the moves too much either because Parcells record of turning around the Patriots, Jets, Giants, and Cowboys speaks for itself.

There's no need for Salguiero to sensationalize this whole rift between these two. ESPN and people like Armando are furthering a sports news era in which everything is a big soap opera.

I'm tired of hearing about which players got DUIs and which of them are dancing in endzones and on TV. I'm also tired of Salguiero and this non-story of a situation that will get worked out in due time, without any of the high-school nonsense that I'm sure the media would love to report on.

Give me a list of recent team transactions and box scores and I'll be happy.

[Nick in VA]

Mando, I could swear that you were one of the only S. Florida reporters who denied the J.T. trade rumors when they initialy surfaced, yet now you claim to have been seeing this the whole time. You are a dope. However, I do enjoy your blog and radio show, but that doesn't change the fact that you are a dope.

[TNFinFan]

Armando, are you just recycling your posts? I swear you are repeating the same thing OVER AND OVER AGAIN! Who cares?!?! Fact is, Taylor is not going to make or break our season!

[thejuandiggler]

Well sais Bijan , all this high school girl chatter will not matter in the long run as it doesn't matter now....Either he is traded and we get some value or he stays and plays like a pro bowler...my prediction is one of thoes happen.....waaaaaaa taylor no talky to Tuna , WAAAAAAA, WAAAAAAA, WAAAAAAA !

[thejuandiggler]

OHH, And also Mando your defensive way of explaining yourself and what you stated prior in all these blog's is showing that some of these writers really get to you. Grow up buddy , the name callers are just loosers man....LOL

[miltonic]

The media has created more of the issue than anyone else. This endless drivel just to create a column. Sad days. Thankfully this silly show will soon be over and not soon enough.
As far as Jason the "prima donna" his place is to be in camp with his team mates. As far as acting, I'm sorry but all I see is a stiff jock that will have no serious shot in movies.

Being child like and feeling dissed is not the position he should be taking. Remember, you are only a player on a 53 man roster. It's improper to call this scam the "face of our franchise". Certaintly the Dolphins can do better.

[sunnunu]

I, for, on, am fascinated by this whole dynamic between JT and The Tuna. It amazes me that you present such an easily solution (call each other guys) and yet no one has done that. That, to me, speaks to a much bigger issue between them.

Thanks for staying on this.

[uriah]

Armando, I watched the Sunday talk and when Taylor said he had talked to Parcells for 30 seconds, I remembered that was exactly what you wrote in your article a while back.

It sounded like you had it straight from the horse's mouth when you wrote it and now I see you did. Good job, kid.

[Finfan in orlando]

I agree that Taylor should be in OTA leading the way. Based on the loose fact that if he is indeed are captain and the face of the franchise he should be there pumping everyone up. I understand That he is an 11 year Vet and feels that its voluntary and that he is great shape But its more than just getting in shape its about a team believing in something and there are some young guys on our team that look up to taylor and he is displaying to them that its "OK to miss workouts as long as there voluntary". Its simple if you want the team you play for to get better you do whatever it takes to get better and that includes OTA. I love Taylor he is a great player and will be remembered as one of the best dolphin players in our history. But I wish he was acting like a 4 or 5th year player still trying to prove himself. Thats why the article that Armando wrote a couple blog's ago about ferguson's attidude is so refreshing because if Taylor thought or at least talked like ferguson does. we would have a much better team next year. So do I believe Taylor will play for us next year? I don't think so because If he wanted to be here he would be and I believe he hasn't wanted to be here since last year the minute he signed that paper to be dancer of the year.

[Tommya]

I don't find it strange that JT and BP haven't spoken to each other. JT is on vacation, BP is hard at work. When JT ends his vacation and comes to work I'm sure the two will talk.

Think about it Mando, BP speaks to no name players and Ricky. Why? Because they are working! Now, if BP was speaking to no name guys that were on vacation and weren't working, then I'd be surprised that BP hasn't spoken with JT yet.

[Mr. Bungle]

Armando, isn't JT in L.A.? So how often do you expect him to talk with Parcells? When the dancing is done, he'll be back in Miami and I'm sure he'll sit down with Parcells, Sparano and Ireland and discuss where he's at.

The one problem for JT is they're not going to trade him cheap so he can be on a playoff team. My guess is that a trade will happen when a playoff team loses a pass rusher to injury and JT is available to help them immediately. That will be when the price is at its highest.

Other than that, I still don't think it's the biggest deal in the world. As long as JT doesn't hold out and avoid OTAs and training camp because he wants to be traded to a playoff team, I think this thing will eventually go away.

[finheavenblows!]

Mr. Bungle said: "Armando, isn't JT in L.A.? So how often do you expect him to talk with Parcells?"

Dude, you ever hear of the telephone? It's a great invention. You should get one sometime.

[Finfan42]

Mando- you obviously have no waman or significant other in your life. Let it go man. Who gives a damn if they are talking or have anything to "iron out". If the Dolphins are competitive next year I don't care if all those two do is nod for 17 weeks. I understand you need to write about things to keep your job, but shouldn't you actually try to be good at your job and find out real things as opposed to fabricating nonsense and causing tension? Is that how easy yours and LeBastards job is? Sad.

[ben]

Jason Taylor is going to do what he wants now, he deserves to be selfish after being loyal for so long. If the dolphins start winning and put up a good run then that will put passion back into the game for him. At this point he has been disappointed by so many "regimes" that he does not have the energy to deal with the bull. Winning always makes everything better, look at the Giants, any more bad news coming out of that locker room?

[Jim Purcell]

Stop fueling this non controversy. Its people like you who ruin football. Let JT speak for himself ...You know what they say about people who ASSume...

[mml47]

He belongs in Jacksoville. #99 is available with the departure of Marcus Stroud. He is the single one missing piece for the Jaguars franchise.

[klndry]

Said at least 10 times in this blog. If JT shows up to play and plays great then that is good for the Dolphins. Parcells will talk to him when he shows up to work. I am sure that Parcells feels that Jason hasn't shown up to be on the team so why talk to him.
We didn't win a Superbowl with Taylor so if we lose him big deal, it ain't the end of the world. The fact is, the Dolphins have missed the playoffs throughout most of his career. Really, what is his worth. He has played on a losing team most of his career. The Phins will be around a lot longer than Jason Taylor.

[Ramsterone]

If J.T. is waiting for Bill Parcells to kiss his ass like Cam, Saban, and Wanny, he can forget it. And why would anyone want to be like the Rock ? he's a joke of an actor. Hollywood will make J.T. into a laughing stock. It takes years and years and alot of talent to become a real actor. Hey, but he can be like Anna Nicole Smith, he's already acting like a bitch.

[Mr. Bungle]

Hey finheavenblows!, what do you think JT and Parcells are like little girls who will talk on the phone everyday? Maybe they can text message each other and use abbreviations like "r u ok" and stuff like that. (laughs)

I think this is more of a face to face type of communication that needs to go down and that will happen when JT returns to Miami.

[NMPhinPhan]

This is pretty simple really; Parcells and the Dolphins are moving in a different direction the JT. JT is, what we used to call in the Corps, "short". He is building the bridge between his current career and new career, while the Dolphins are building a franchise for the future. There are no long term plans to have JT on the roster and there are no long term plans for JT to remain a Dolphin. Just a transition period, nothing less and nothing more. My prediction, JT is traded by the trade deadline to a legitimate contender in desperate need for a pass rusher; that's where the Dolphins will get their value.

[Finfan in orlando]

Ramsterone that s*&t was funny

[Henock]

Knowing Bill's background (Westpoint) and he calling out his players. I believe this is Bill being Bill, not giving his superstars any special treatment. It's a way of saying You're just like everyone else to JT. At the end of the day JT will be in Miami, They don't and won't trade JT. They had too many opportunities to do so during the draft and didn't bite on any. It all a MIND GAME!

[Wonderer]

JT doesnt need to do anything. He's been giving his all to the franchise for 11 years and so what if he misses a few voluntary workouts that he doesnt need. The rookies and guys trying to make the team need to be there. He will "teach" and "mentor" the youngins once TRAINING CAMP starts.

[Clyde Rainero]

finheavanblows---Bungle's right! If you've watched anything related to Dancing - - which I'm sure you'll quickly volunteer that you haven't because that would conflict w/ your cheap sense of machismo, and might make you uncomfortable with your homophobic friends - - you'd know that JT is approaching Dancing as seriously as he approaches football, e.g., long rehearsal days, show prep, etc. Why should he have to phone his boss here, or sit by the phone like some schoolgirl, waiting to patch up a problem that really isn't a problem. Unless and until JT shows up at some mandatory function and is given the business by BP or both refuse to acknowledge one another, or he fails to show up at same & thereby is truly resisting the program, you should chill and resist Mando's contrived controversy. Like another poster said, if he shows & 'plays well with others,' fine. If he doesn't show, or if he shows and causes an Ocho Stinko type scene, THEN there's a problem to be resolved. Do I wish JT was here, pumping iron & snapping towels in the locker room - - sure. Do I want him & BP to sing kumbayah, sure. But the Fins'l go on, one way or another.

[finheavenblows!]

Hey Clyde, you don't know me. You don't know if I'm macho or not so give me a break on that will ya?

Secondly, if this was a contrived controversy, why did JT bring it up in the Sunday conversation? He brought up that they've talked only 30 seconds, not me, not Mando, not Parcells.

Finally, you obviously didn't read LeBatard column about Jt's problem with Parcells. Lebatard asked him about Armando's column saying Parcells refused to speak to JT and JT didn't want to answer the question. He didn't say it never happened. He didn't say it was something that was blown out of proportion. He just didn't want to go there because that would open a new can 'o worms.

So pull you head out of the sand, dude.

[Kofi A Nonn]

Clyde--you gotta admit that FHB sure knows all of the details of the Tuna-Taylor stand-off. All us posters need to pay closer attention to this problem, just like FHB - - esp. you, Clyde! thank goodness that Mando & LeBatard are making sure no stone goes unturned in examining a problem that threatens to end the Tuna-era before it even gets truly started. Wayne H. needs to step up to the plate and tell Tuna either he squares things with JT or he's gone.

[Crespo Dolor]

hey clyde & bungle - - by training camp it will be too late to heal the divisions that the JT/BP mess has created in the locker room. The season is on the brink now! JT should be cut this afternoon or tomorrow, so that a clear message is sent at the same time that the DWTS finale is getting pub, that BP will not be trifled with!

[Joe Don Luney]

Only one player is skipping the offseason workouts - JT! His continued presence on the roster is an affront to all Dolphin fans.

[El Cache]

I just want Parcells to know that the dancing is actually helping Jt for this upcoming season, at JT's age this will make him more agile and elusive. Tuna is such a power tripper, but don't screw with our best player. He will come out with a vengance this year, and beleive it or not the dancing will help him slip by those fat offensive lineman

[Big Guess Meredith]

All you chickenshits need to grow a pair. Who among us has never missed a VOLUNTARY event at work? Who has never worked for a heinous boss? Who has never had an end-of-the-world argument w/ a supervisor, and gone on with the job anyway, and then seen the argument fade into insignificance? Training Camp is when the shit will hit the fan or not.

[DaveinOhio]

Ricky is a problem player, so Percels is treating him special. Taylor does not need that. Parcel's isnt one to keep his mouth shut if he believe's something strongly. Does he want him at his conditioning? Yes. Does he feel that Taylor is waisting his time dancing? Yes. Will he cut Taylor because of it? No. Will he trade Taylor because of it? Only for a first rounder. End of story, stop trying to make a big deal about it

[Randy]

Jason Taylor waltzed in during a few days off from Dancing With the Stars just before the draft, and it was surprising that Parcells rebuffed him and wouldn't meet with him? That just sounds as if Parcells wants to meet Taylor on Parcells' terms, not Taylor's. I don't think there's any story here. Parcells clearly sees Taylor's Hollywood obsession as a dalliance. Once Taylor decides that he wants to be in Miami like the rest of the team, Parcells will make time for him -- but I have a feeling that Taylor will have to earn that right. The fact that your star vet has yet to share his experience and leadership with the rest of a very young team surely doesn't sit well with Parcells.

[Clyde Rainero]

DiO--yes! common-sense at last!

[Mr. Bungle]

Obviously a lot of fans here want to keep this BS alive. Okay, have fun with it, have a heartache over it and make sure to pickup your latest copies of trash magazines while standing on line at the super market, because there are even more juicy stories in there about all sorts of celebrities.

To Crespo Dolor, JT will be back in Miami in a week or so. Training camp isn't until the end of July. I think these two big boys can get it together by then.

[Robert]

Armando Salguero: I have come to the conclusion that either A). You are really a girl; or, B). You don't know jack about football. Either way, you missed your calling: you should be a Page Six gossip peddler. Taylor is bordering on embarrassing; you are too.

[Patrick]

I suppose this will make good blog fodder until something else worth writing about happens. So I'll say again, Bill Parcells is handling this exactly like he should. This is not about JT and BP playing out their little girly squabble, this is about the rest of the players on the team being expected to attend "voluntary" workouts while one of their teammates, perhaps their best player and leader is off playing tinkle toes in Hollywood. Parcells has no choice but to snub Taylor, any other course of action would condone the missing of the workouts and would be construed as favoritism by the other players.

Here's how it will play out... Taylor will come back and the locker room will be a cold cold place for him for the 1st couple weeks. Then something will cause the two of them to make a simple exchange and the thawing will begin. Once Taylor reestablishes himself in front of his teammates then BP will soften up, but I don't think Parcells will ever think he can build his team's future on Taylor.

With that in mind, if a trade opportunity presents itself and it will probably be a 1st round pick, Parcells will pull the trigger. The reason I think it will be a 1st rounder is because a high second rounder might work, but we won't get that from a playoff caliber team.

[randy]

hey who cares.listen,Jason has proven what he can do,on and off the feild.Why waste your time talking to him,when players of questionable talent and personel conduct need your guidance more than Jason does.Don't worry he will show up for camp and season as he always does.

[Finfan in orlando]

I like taylor and next to Marino and Ricky he is one of my favorite players. the 30 sec comment does not even bother me its the fact that he said he would rather be remembered for acting something (I may be wrong) he has not even done yet. A 11 year player with football in his heart with as great as he has been would have hall of fame in his mind and his legacy should be around football. But instead its on acting so to me football is more of a commentment to finishing off his contract and moving on. I believe that he feels that he is done with the fins because he is almost done and rather finish his commentment somewhere else. I believe that Bill see's this too and he will not talk to JT until football is on JT's mind and not his retiring plans. That won't happen until he is back down in the MIA. Hopefully its all good and if not I hope we get something good for him.

[Fishyman]

Dude, I just saw on Ch 10 lt nt Taylor saying he will talk with Parcells AFTER the show. What part of that don't you understand? He will finish the show and then deal with Dolphins. I think you must be the one he meant when he said this has been made a soap opera

[Barney]

Armando, you are a player on a team called the Miami Herald.

How many times have you talked to the publisher?

And if you were a "special talent" who didn't go to training and set your own schedule, do you think it would be a good idea for the publisher to make a public effort to bring you back into line? Don't you think that might undermine your boss (e.g., Sparano) who is a guy who needs to be establishing his own authority at this point?

[jt money]

armand u aint respecting the code...

[Kula]

Regardless of whether Jason Taylor wants to be a Dolphin in 2008 or not, regardless of whether Parcells wants to trade him or not, this "not talking" thing is ridiculous and immature.

Jason Taylor has been a shining star in an otherwise dimsal decade for the Dolphins. He has meant so much to us, the fans, who truly appreciate all that he has given to this franchise. He has been a hero when we had very little to be proud of. Tuna should respect that history, respect the great legacy of Jason Taylor and the fans who will be here long after both of them are gone.

Recent Dolphin history has been hard to swallow. Having "Tuna and his Cowboys" come in and "save us" is a little humiliating, but we know we need it. However that doesn't mean that we have lost all rights to a little respect for the history of this franchise that we still hold dear.

[Josh]

Jason's a proven player; Parcells is a big baby.

[Shoe]

The relationship between JT and Tuna is not "fractured". They really don't have a relationship... at least not yet. Sure, one is the other's boss's boss... but they don't have a personal relationship yet because they simply haven't been around each other yet.

I really think this is overblown. Everyone is trying to figure out what Parcells is up to or what message is he sending. I think Parcells is just busy. Busy dealing with stuff in Miami. What good is a phone call to JT gonna do? There is not much to talk about. They don't have major issues to resolve. JT is not attending a voluntary workout. Parcells may not like it, but it is not going to outweigh all the positives JT brings to the team. Its not a perfect world and Parcells knows that. He isnt going to overreact to something like this because he is a smart man.

JT doesn't wanna be a Dolphin? A lot of people probably felt like that last year. Its easy to think of "what if". But when JT comes back, starts working like he always does, gets caught up in the optimism that will be rampant in early summer like it always is, he will show he is a Dolphin through and through.

The media wants JT to call Tuna or vice versa. Its killing everyone that maybe things are just gonna be OK in the end... where is the story there? They dont need to call each other. It would be a brief and mostly dead-air phone call right now anyways. Parcells is gonna call to discuss DWTS? Why? What would that accomplish? Parcells is not the coach. He is not the GM. Maybe he is acting exactly like he should be. Let Sporano do the calling (like he has). JT works for Sporano anyways. What reason would Parcells have to call JT? The only reason I could see would be to support him in his quest to win in his current competition. Since he may not agree with the competition in the first place (which is his right), then why bother calling?

JT is a football player. A darn good one. Parcells likes football players. Especially darn good ones. These guys will have a good relationship when DWTS is over. I have no fear of that. Once they have a good relationship, then you can start wondering when or even if its ever gonna become fractured. If something like this comes up next year, after they have already established a strong relationship, and JT blows him off, then maybe things are different, because perhaps you could say JT let Tuna down. But that isnt the case right now. Tuna wasnt even a Dolphin when the DTWS contract was signed, so its not like he is destroying their relationship by fulfilling it.

This story really is a non-story. I guess that is what happens this time of year.

[Jacob]

Parcells has done nothing but hire a no-name coach, a no-name GM, and draft a safe 1st round pick - which anyone could have done. He has created this rift with JT, who is the identity of the team, and needs to sow it up immediately and stop wasting everyone's time.

[Johnny Jets Hater]

You know what I would really like to hear? Some actual dolphin news. Mando, you are like days of our lives for the sporting news of south Florida! Every other week, you hear reports in the Tampa market about Cadillac Williams recovery from his knee injury. How about getting your shoes a little dirty and go find out how Ronnie Brown is doing? You would think that information about the single most threating offensive player this team has had since #13 would be important enough to cover as a reporter. Every week, I wait for some news on his progress, every week I wait for some mention of a sighting of RB running stairs in the practice facility. Seriously, JT will either be a part of our team in 2008 or not, if he is not I am sure the brass will get proper compensation for him. If JT shows up, he will be in shape and will be a professional! The post on Jason Ferg, was good, this is what fin fans want to know. Please report how Ricky's torn pec is doing, please tell us how JBeck and the other 2 qb's are having dinner every other night with the receivers to get on the same page. Please tell us one piece of info regarding our #1 pick in 2006 Mr. Allen, or our #1 pick in 2007 Ted Ginn and his family. Tell us how Ginn's injury slowed his progress down last year and how this year he has hired Jerry Rice to teach how to run routes??? Do some damn reporting, if I haven't given you enough topics, feel free to email, I have about 1000 other questions that I would like to know about our 2008 dolphins. Be a reporter not a host for TMZ.

[dolfan]

Go back to Dallas Parcells!!! You are so short-sighted that you take what Jason is doing as being detrimental rather than positive for his game. The guy has been in the league for years and hasnt been a consistent all-star for nothing. Yiou ride into Miami and think you can stonewall Jason Taylor??!!! I don't think so!!!

[JBC]

This JT and BP stuff is nothing! For pete's sake, leave it alone until something meaningful comes along. Did you writer guys all have a course in college that was titled "How to write the same thing in 101 different ways"-101? Enough Already!!!!! GO DOLPHINS!!!!!

[Daniel]

First off lets not forget who broke that story. It was Jason Cole of Yahoo sports, not you. Lets not forget the time Parcell's went on record and said JT would not be traded. You went along with that report too. So dont get all defensive if people dont believe your story... or Jason Cole's story for that matter.

Fact is Jason Taylor is not in camp working with the team and the pothead with social anxiety Ricky Williams is. Nobody has said anything controversial about the other out loud yet so this really is a non issue. If he does get traded it will be by the trade deadline, and it wont be because he is doing the cha cha cha, it will be because its whats best for both parties.

[Bill of Steel]

YOU ARE A HACK! YOU SUCK! You are so shameless and sensational that you should write for either the NY Post or FOX News! Get a life Armando! GET A LIFE!!!

[flpd]

Please tell me what story Jason Cole broke? The one that said Jason Taylor and the Dolphins had an agreement in place to make a trade by the draft? I remember that story. And it was wrong.

[MrMuddle]

I think it makes sense that Parcells is discussing and focusing on the players he actually has at camp.

Is he pissed about the Taylor situation? Who cares?

At the end of the day, I think Taylor will be traded. Not because of this so-called "rift," but because he is a guy on the trailing edge of his career who, realistically, isn't really needed. Joey Porter will probably take over as the pass-rushing backer and the defensive ends in a 3-4 will have a containment responsibility not suited to Jason Taylor's particular skill set.

Is he a good player? Yes. But we don't really need him and his value in a trade is probably more than his value on the team.

The Taylor situation is a non-issue. If he's with the team, wonderful. He can't hurt. If he's traded, we probably won't miss him all that much.

Why are we making such a big deal about this? The problem, Armando, is that none of what you're doing here is news. It's speculation, which any member of the general public can do just as well as you even without press credentials. Bring us back some real stories.

[Mr. Happy]

Armando, I greatly enjoy your blog. You bring up points that make everyone think and cause debate. Even the dummies on here that critique your work cannot deny that they read your work every day.

For someone living in the middle east such as myself, you have become the chief source of Dolphins information. Thank you for that.

Shalom.

[Armando Salguero]

For those of you wanting more NEWS from me I have two things to say: I don't make up news. It happens when it happens.

Secondly, the Dolphins have signed running back Jalen Parmele (6th rounder, running back Lex Hilliard (6th rounder) and seventh-round pick Lionel Dotson, a defensive lineman. The Dolphins today also added undrafted USC free agent Matt Spanos, a center.

Along with Jake Long, the Dolphins have now signed four of nine draft picks. Weeeeeeee!

[NYJeff]

I am certain JT signed a contract with the network for DWTS prior to Parcells coming onboard. I am certain that IF Parcells was here prior to the signing of that contract, Parcells & Co. would have told JT not to do it. HOWEVER, since that didn't take place, JT is not in the wrong. He did not purposely start DWTS to hurt is ability to play football or to miss off season conditioning that this current regime is high on. The off season program by the previous administrations were not nearly as "non-mandatory" as this regimes. I know Parcells wants JT there, but he's under contract with the network right now. So, this is less of JT is dissing Parcells and Parcells dissing JT and more of how the people are coping with the situation. I think Sparano is the voice of the organization when it comes to how they view JT and DWTS, they wish him luck, but they want him back soon. They made trade Taylor and, if they do, I really doubt it has much to do with DWTS and more about what they can get for him. Believe me, if JT was not on DWTS and heavily involved in the off season conditioning, Parcells WOULD STILL BE SHOPPING HIM. This is all pomp and circumstance by the media. Is it really a big deal that Parcells is upset about this and not talking to him? So what. Parcells still does what Parcells has to do and JT still does what he has to do. They are both seasoned professionals. If Parcells was as irked as you and many other media make him out to be, something would have been done already. But nothing has been done. Why? JT is valueable and Parcells is smart. End of story.

[Paul]

Is Taylor dancing really not helping the team? I think indirectly it may be. As we all now the Dolphins have marketing issues, which is completely understandable. You can not draw a big fan base if you can't win more than one damn game. Many women watch the NFL theses days, and their "crush" on Taylor will in the long run benefit the Miami Dolphins. Brady and Romo use this same tactic. They use their good looks to gain popularity. Football is a faceless sport. I think Brady is a GQ fag and Tony Homo is a chump, but nonetheless their popularity with women benefits their team.We need to stop focusing on the negative aspect of Taylor's little venture, and focus on the sliver lining.

[Jimbo's dog]

woof, wwooof boww wooow, grrrr,

[Felix R]

Dolfans know that whenever a "New Coach" comes in, and Lord knows we've had our share our names since Coach Shula was "forced out". Anyhow, what I wanted to say is that if, Jasaon Taylor wants to go, Adios Amigo!

What individual players don't know or don't want to understand is that the Miami Dolphins come first, and there aren't any individual that come before the team....regrettably Jason Taylor wants to be an [I] individual and not a team player, screw him and let him go......

Felix R.

[Jose Cantu]

You guys are telling Armando to stop writing about JT but I look at the number of comments on here and it's like, almost 70. I look at the newsy post on Jason Ferguson and what he means to Samson Satele and there are only 25 comments. Hmmmm. 70 vs. 25. No wonder the guy writes about this subject and not actual football stuff. This is more freaken interesting.

[mR742]

Gaymondo does it again, you never cease to end the bleeding on your below optimal topics, please run with scissors in your hand.

[Eric]

errrrrr... i think we should add more mormons...

[td]

JT is under contract with the Dolphins,and is expect to received 8 mil this coming season, and same amount next year,so he is in the obligation with the Dolphins, not with ABC.... before the team nothing ....I'm behind the Tuna.

[chico]

Armondo is right

[whatever]

Why do we have to keep hearing about JT's "loyalty". The guy has a "contract" -- that pays pretty well by the way. His continued play is a contractual, legal matter not one that is about character or personal choices.

He doesn't want to play? He doesn't get the money. JT is all about himself all the time. Also, how many times did we see shots of him on the sideline ALL YEAR LONG laughing and having some yuks when he had the SAME NUMBER of sacks as Joey Porter?

[NYScott]

I would have voted but my choice wasn't up there. My choice would have been "Because they don't like eachother". And then I would have added 'but who cares'. I may be wrong but why is it so important to the media that JT is friends with the vice president in charge of football operations? Does every teams vice president have to have a friendship with all of the players? I wouldn't think so. Yes he talks to certain players but there is no way in hell Parcells talks to every single player except JT. He sat down and talked to Ricky. Okay this seems like a no brainer. Ricky has a rep for being a headcase and needs extra coddling at times. BP needs Ricky at his best so making him feel comfortable seems like a good reason to have a meal with the guy. JT doesn't need to have his hand held and we all know what he will bring to the field. PARCELLS IS NOT THE COACH. JT has a good relationship with Sparano. I couldn't care less if Bill and Jason are having sleepovers.

[Bob]

What is this crap? sounds like a bunch of women? Including you mando come on tell us something that more interesting to fins football instead of all this he said she said B.S. Who cares if parcells is pissed a taylor thier big boys and in the big world you don't have to like someone to work with them, in fact sometimes its better if you don't. Mando get a real story and stop wasting our time with this trivia s**t. What are some of the players and positions the fins may take a look at after the cuts?

[Long Time Fan]

Dude. Have you stopped to consider that Taylor is in California, and Parcells is in Florida? Kinda hard to "Do Lunch" if you ain't even in the same state.

BTW.. Sporano has commented that he talks to Taylor, and that he knows what's going on, and has no problem with it.

Stop trying to stir up some stink because it's a slow news day.

[Anthony DiCesare]

Ok. I agree with everything you have said thus far. And each time, I still come back to: So What?
As a fan, it is my best interests to want Taylor back...whether he wants to be back or not. It is also in my best interest, as a fan, to want Parcells to succeed. These are not mutually exclusive interests.

I frankly don't care what Taylor wants, or whether Parcells is pissed or not. At the moment, Taylor is a Dolphin, regardless of what tutu he is wearing this week. Until a team is stupid enough to trade big for an aging veteran, or until Parcells is not too bull-headed to either trade him for less or accept that he is a leader on the team no matter what tutu he's wearing this week, he's a Dolphin.

Until he's Not a Dolphin, I don't care about any of this. As a fan, I ask So What?

[Anthony DiCesare]

Also, may I recommend more stories about the new draf picks as an alternate to these speculative blogs. See, that way when Taylor does get traded or retire, at least I'll know more about the current players and my peaked interest in them will replace my desire to root for/miss Taylor. Make sense?

[NYScott]

Last thing, and Armando already kind of covered this. To the people telling Armando to report some "real Dolphins news" could you fill the rest of us in on what that may be? There is nothing going on except for a few meaningless signings and a bunch of dead lifts being performed in the GYM. Do you want to hear about the players personal lives? I think John Beck and his wife just bought a swing set for their child. Armando could you look in to that and do a big write up please? Also if you could find out what kind of shampoo Justin Smiley uses it would be much appreciated. Thanks a lot.

[sag58]

Is this any different than the corporate world the majority of us work in? Armando, how much time have you spent with the CEO for the paper? And did you expect that person to come to you to chat? Jason should be more involved with his defensive line coach, the defensive coordinator, and the head coach. In the heirarchy of things Jason is no less than a 4-down from Bill Parcells in an organizational structure. If anyone deserves respect, it's Bill. Just like the CEO of a company would expect from those underneath them. Bill has more to woory about in the grand scheme of things than 1 player - even though it is Jason Taylor. And maybe this is a message to the rest of the team that he is not playing any favorites, unlike some of the other management we've been used to.

[Johnny Jets Hater]

NYScott: you have always been a douche bag! I have read your lame postings and I think you are a turd (NYTurd). We are not asking for Mando to right on favorite colors and crap like that, but wouldn't you like to hear a story about Ronnie Brown's rehab from his knee injury? Have you read one piece of info on this blog about his knee injury? At least Harvey at the Sun-Sent mentioned and somewhat answered a fans question about Ronnie's injury. In addition, every single one of Mando's postings can be done by watching NFL network and ESPN, then ralphing it up in his own words. What we are asking as "true fans" is reporting on stories that matter to our team. I know you f-ing New Yorkers think you know everything and that New York is the center of the sports, culture and anything that is anything world, but if Mando's reporting is satisfying your tastes as a fan, it's not surprising! You and your type are so typical. Can't wait to travel out of your horrible state and come to Florida and then complain the whole time about how you can't find good pasta and how NY is so much better! Stay in your own state, and leave this blog forever you blow hard North Easterner!

[Armando Salguero]

Johnny, you need to calm the heck down, buddy. You go off at the mouth very quickly calling people names and you don't even know them. Dial back.

The fact of the matter is the whole Ronnie Brown deal that you are seemingly obsessed with is old news. He's ahead of schedule, OK? Tony Sparano said he's supposed to be ready for training camp, OK? He's supposed to be ready for the season, OK? He's not cutting yet, OK? All of that has been written here and elsewhere by The Herald. Where were you?

Also, if you read this blog the last few weeks you can see posts on Josh McCown and Paul Soliai and Jason Ferguson and spygate and other subjects that are of interest to readers. None of those were on Sportscenter or NFL network.

Finally, I pretty much have the only say as to who stays on this blog and who does not and which comments appear and which do not. Not you. So back off.

Having said that, I like your nickname.

[x-club]

Holy crap, JJH just got schooled on what his place is in the Dolphins blog world. Go Mando!

X-Club '79.

[Chris S.]

Like others, please let me know when JT misses a mandatory session. It isn't important for JT to be best friends with Parcells. It is more important for JT to have common understanding of expectations from Sparano and to get along with his teammates.

This dichotomy between Sparano and Parcells is just a game of "good cop, bad cop".

[Joe- Margate, FL.]

at 10:46pm 5/19, 33% of voters say "these two just need to grow up". That's only 1.7% less than the 34.7% voters who say "Parcells is right to expect JT at camp".

Is anything important to anyone anymore? I think this poll shows just how little people care for the work it takes to succeed and, therefore, how little people care for success itself. Maybe it's that people just feel that they have no control over their own success.

Well, here's a head coach giving you a perfect example of what it takes and a glimpse at how to go about doing it, and 33% of you write him off as a trivially tedious man. You people are lifeless, cynics. That's all.

[Johnny Jets Hater]

Mando, the fact that I could actually get you to respond to some actual news, is very encouraging! Point taken about calming down. I will not apologize for calling NYscott a turd or douche bag! He is all the above! The Ronnie Brown deal is just an example of the 1000's of stories that can be researched and reported on simply by leaving your desk or home office. I have heard several reports on other teams guys offseason recovery progress. By the way, there has not been a story dedicated to his rehab or progress. There have been blurbs from other stories but no actual story. I know the smoke is really bad and the air quality stinks in South Florida, but you have a job that everyone of us would kill for. The access to an organization like the dolphins and the ability to talk football for a living I would trade my high paying job to do for room and board. So get up, stop reading my posts (after this one) and start reporting. That is my best pep talk for you Mando!

[Johnny Jets Hater]

XClub: When was the last time you ever said anything on this post to get a response from Mando? Exactly, so shut up and join NYscott.

[Berry]

JT is a great athlete and football player. He is also a vacuous left-wing loon and primadonna. Parcells hates primadonnas. Time for JT to go. Take a 4th rounder for him. We won't win with him and if the Phins don't scout talent well, it won't matter if we get a 1st rounder for him. If they do scout well, a 4th rounder will be sufficient, along with all their other picks. JT belongs in San Francisco with the rest of the leftist nutters.

[sammy da bull]

JT should be working right now like the trifecta is doing instead of chasing tail in LA... Trade this dancing fool already!!!

[Fantus]

I just posted this to the wrong forum:

You know what would be super twin power awesome... If Jason transforms back into a football player in the next 2 weeks and scares the daylights out of some QB's this year.

I have no problem with JT doing his Hollywood thing.... There is something better for him now though... Finishing his commitment with the Miami Dolphins. This whole tiff with Parcells and JT is a media dream right now. I don't think either give a damn. What will matter is two things (if you break it down into the hamster sized brains of most journalists):

1) JT walks away from the Dolphins and probably from the NFL and, lets say for the sake of argument, we get a second round berth in the playoffs in 2009. JT would be kicking himself in the ass hearing of it, no matter if the Dolphins win or lose, because either way he will be thinking he could've made the difference.

2) Parcells cuts JT or trades him at this point. He still has no proven player that can play the OLB position in the 3-4, let alone dominate like Jason can. And given the same scenario above, Parcells thinks the same damn thing.

The funny thing about this whole thing is it reminds me of Bret Farvre all over again.... He didn't make it to the big show one last time, but everyone was writing him off for dead when Green Bay was at the bottom of the NFL totem pole.

It hurts JT not one bit to return to the NFL and play for the Dolphins. It hurts Parcells not one bit if he does also. This whole off-season has benefited nobody better than the South Florida media.

[Rob]

Using ESPN as proof that you're right? I wouldn't put it past ESPN to cut and paste footage to create a whole new story. Seriously, you're a friggin journalist, not a gossip writer. "I must be right because on ESPN Jason Taylor said he doesn't know Bill Parcells!! OMG!!!!" Dude, it is May 20. The preseason is about 3 months away. I'd rather see more feel-good stories about guys who will get cut in camp than more of this soap-opera garbage.

[Ramsterone]

At this point J.T. just needs to stay in Hollywood, He's posion now.He can become a Tranny and Eddie Murphy can pick him up on the street at 3am.

[Marc]

Obviously JT would have liked to talk to BP but Bill brushed him off, now he will simply have to wait until JT gets good and ready. We're talking about JT being a primadona but BP is so big that he can't schedule 5 minutes for the teams top player and captain? Its just a pissing match right now.

[NYScott]

Johnny Jets Hater, funny stuff. Ronnies recovery has been well documented in this blog and others. One or two lines about it is enough,anything else just gets boring. And by the way I NEVER vacation in Florida. Too damn hot!

[NYScott]

How is it that JT wants to be an actor and wants to be remembered for that and not football? I watched him trying to read from a cue card on dancing last night and it was bad. He should stick with football in any way he can or he will be remembered for being a bad actor in a couple of B movies. At the very least I hope he is better than Jim Brown.

[Charlie]

And now with the weekly gossip report...............Armando Salguero.

Go and work for E already!!!

[Marcio oliveira]

Mando,
Thanks from Brazil!

[JLOVE]

Armando Salguero is a idiot. Way to stir up the pot pal. Is this the crap they PAY yoou to write.

WHO CARES!!!!!!!!

This is trash....

[Art]

Are you kidding, Salguero. You and Cote miss the point. The Dolphins is Jason Taylor's job for the next two years. Off season conditioning programs and mini-camps are not mandatory, but that's only in paper, because it was part of the collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and the NFLPA; but you know better, the players need to show up. Taylor does not want to play for the Dolphins, he wants to play for a contender, understandable, but Parcells, Ireland and Sparano did not get what they were expecting for Taylor in a possible trade (Jax Jaguars). Rice and Smith did their stint in Dancing with the stars once they were already retired from the NFL, the only active sportsman, that did it, was Helio Castroneves, and not his team but his entire league the Indy Racing League embraced it, because it was good publicity for them, neither the NFL nor the Dolphins need any publicity stunt with Dancing with the Stars. Taylor got a very good salary with the Dolphins, so don't go to where the Dolphins owe him. The Dolphins don't owe him anything and he does not owe the Dolphins anything. Parcells has all the reason in the world for being upset that Taylor is not with his teammates. There is a lot of new players, and they need to be bonding. Disrespect, what a bunch of baloney, you sound like people with no education or upbringing, in the hood people get killed for those words, what a bunch of crap. This is a game (football), entertainment, and Taylor gets paid a pretty penny for that. If he wants to pursue a Hollywood career, wait until he's done with football. Choose: your dreams of being a Hollywood actor or your last 2 years as a NFL player.

[Anonymous]

This old news. We know JT and BP aren't speaking, have know for a while now. Can we stop re-hashing it and get some more posts like the one you did about Jason Ferguson and Samson Satele? That one was truly interesting. More football and less drama, please...

[Bill Parcells]

Armando,

Why is the fact that JT signed up for DWTS before Bill Parcells was in place alway left out?

Armando...You are the worst...Telemundo coming up...What happend to your gig on ESPN?

[Johnny #5]

For those of you wanting more NEWS from me I have two things to say: I don't make up news. It happens when it happens.

Secondly, the Dolphins have signed running back Jalen Parmele (6th rounder, running back Lex Hilliard (6th rounder) and seventh-round pick Lionel Dotson, a defensive lineman. The Dolphins today also added undrafted USC free agent Matt Spanos, a center.

Along with Jake Long, the Dolphins have now signed four of nine draft picks. Weeeeeeee!

Posted by: Armando Salguero | May 19, 2008 at 05:51 PM

If that was Armando, you are truly classless. The Weeeee! comment just proves how much of a hack you are. Most of it is not your fault, your talent is limited.

[Vinnie]

Gimme a break people. Sports writers included. Who gives a crap about who speaks to who. Parcells owes Taylor NOTHING and Taylor owes Parcells NOTHING!! They've never crossed paths before. Respect has to be earned on both sides. You all act like Parcell's actions are new!! If the guy puts together a good team and we go 13-3 this year, nobody complains! I'm sure Taylor has felt worse dealing with his wife threatening divorce and his dad acting a fool. So please, keep it real. WHATEVER! PLAY DA FRIGGIN' GAME!!!!