Thomas: Dolphins have to show respect

If a Mount Rushmore of Dolphins players existed, Zach Thomas would be up there with Dan Marino and Larry Csonka and a couple of others. He was a Dolfans' favorite player from the second in 1996 he stepped on the field as a short, no-neck-having, self-deprecating rookie to the day in 2008 he packed his belongings and left.

And to this day Zach Thomas remains a South Florida resident, a fan of the Dolphins, and someone the organization admires enough that it considered him to join the new radio team being assembled to work on a new flagship station -- the team by the way, would not consider me as a commentator because I'm not enough of a homer.

Anyway, the point is when Zach Thomas is peeved with the organization, well then, something is wrong -- not with Zach, but with the organization.

And Zach Thomas is steaming about how the Dolphins have treated his brother-in-law Jason Taylor (married to Zach's sister Katina). He's upset about the handling of the latest Taylor saga in particular and and about the way the Dolphins handle inconic players in general.

Yesterday on the Sid Rosenberg show on 560-AM here in South Florida, Thomas pulled back the curtain on how Jeff Ireland and Bill Parcells handled his departure when he was waived by the Dolphins.

"The only thing that was like a punch in the gut to me was the day I was cleaning out my locker, the day they cut me, [agent] Drew [Rosenhaus] asked them if I could just say thanks to the fans through the media at the Dolphins facility and their answer was, 'No, he's not a Dolphins player anymore, he's got to do it off premises.'" Thomas said. "That's when you know, like, 'Wow,' the whole loyalty and everything they preach with team and things like that goes out the window."

None of this is commentary on how the Dolphins make football decisions. There is no arguing it was time for Zach to go. He didn't fit the Dolphins scheme. He was getting up there in years. He was coming off a year in which he had concussion issues.

But this is commentary on what happens after the football decisions are made. A player like Zach Thomas basically gets kicked to the curb in much the same manner as Abraham Wright would.

After he was waived, Thomas had to find a way to say good-bye to Dolphins fans. He had to call media members one by one, me and many others included, to say his farewell to ... you.

That is wrong.

This regime doesn't like making exceptions. They like to treat all the players the same. The Dolphins, for example, are one of the few NFL teams that do not welcome new free agents with press conferences because the team doesn't want to make it seem like the new players are more important than the ones already on the roster. The Dolphins also don't get mushy when former greats such as Thomas or, yes, Jason Taylor leave are or forced to leave.

And that is fine if you're talking about Shawn Murphy being traded. But if Jason Taylor is being traded, that needs to be handled differently.

The strange thing here is that general manager Jeff Ireland is aware of how great players should be treated. He sometimes talks about how he doesn't want to do anything that would sully the organization's great name or history.

Ireland's stepfather was a Hall of Famer E.J. Holub. His grandfather Jim Parmer was a former Philadelphia player and Bears executive. Those men knew the importance of legacy and standing. Those guys respected those ideals.

But Ireland, under Bill Parcells, isn't really holding up his end very well in that department. The Dolphins fumbled on the Zach Thomas dismissal two years ago. They dropped the ball again in the manner they treated Jason Taylor this offseason.

Their football decisions were probably correct in both instances. Their people skills were lacking both times.

"You've got to know to respect great players," Thomas said. "You've got to know that. Jason is going to be a Hall of Famer. He's going to be in the [Dolphins Ring] of Honor. His name is always going to be in Dolphin Stadium, and that's big. And you know what, you can do it in a different approach. It might not be their approach. But I get disappointed when I see guys that have put everything on the line for the Dolphins organization and have a Hall-of-Fame career like Jason Taylor and it goes down like it has the last couple weeks...

"I'm not trying to be hard on Jeff Ireland. But he's saying it wrong, especially for a guy who has so much history with the Miami Dolphins. He's the all-time sacks leader among active players, and you're going to talk about him like he's a first- or second-year player. He should know how to respect guys that have been great to the game. ... It's fine if you don't have a need for him. But you tell him up front. And you don't go through the media and act like you're shocked that it's being brought up. I don't like the organization to look bad that way."

Here is a quick suggestion to the Miami Dolphins, an organization that thinks it knows it all: Sign Zach Thomas for a day. Hold the press conference now that you refused to grant him in 2008. Allow Zach to say good-bye the right way.

You can't do anything about how you handled Jason Taylor's departure. Right the wrong you did with the Zach Thomas departure. And do it soon.

Comments

[mike]

THE YANKEES DUMPED BABE RUTH ....... ALSO TRADED OR RELEASED IN THE TWILIGHT OF THEIR CAREERS WERE MAYS, AARON, ROSE, UNITAS, LADIAN TOMLINSON, ETC, ETC, ETC ......

BUT .... I THINK THAT JASON TAYLOR, IN 2010, IS STILL BETTER THAN ANY OLB ON OUR ROSTER ....

[ALoco]

ZACK AND JT CAN HAVE THEIR PRESS CONFERNCE IN THEIR REST ROOM .

[D-dense]

Bobbyd12, not a tebow fan either. I think it would be a mistake as well. Kid holds the ball to low, but could be used in a wildcat. Kipers saying he'll go as an H-back, need some help at TE but with our WR spots filled; it might open up the field a bit for Fasano!

[bobbyd12]

In a year or two, Jason will come home, there will be hugs and cheers all around, the Dolphins will have a winning franchise and the Jets will be going on 43 years without a Superbowl, and their fans hopes will be dashed...in other words, everything will be right in the universe...

[DyingBreed]

This is what you get when an owner gives Parcells carte blanche in operations. I praise and congratulate the trifecta for bringing in Dansby and Marshall. But their arrogance and indifference toward the media, players and fans are unnecessary. They burned JT TWICE - and yet he showed his loyalty and love for the team and fans.

So Mr. Parcells and Ireland: you better have a winning record to back up that attitude of yours!

Posted by: LAPhinsPhan | April 21, 2010 at 12:51 PM

Burnt Taylor twice? Can you confirm whether that was gonorhea or syphillis for us.

[finfan23]

Jason is a fool to think he is going to get respect from Rex Ryan. Who in the entire world does that idiot Jabba the Hut respect? He doesn't even know the meaning of the word. Jason will be berated and talked about all year from those expecting the 15 expected sacks. He is in for a big ego check. The Dolphins got mad at Jason when he was told to wait til after the draft, he agreed, and then changed his mind. Obviously they got mad.

[bobbyd12]

Well I'm out for awhile, and D-dense, it was good talking to you...Go Phins

[Rex Ryan]

You are wrong breed. I will stroke Jason, and hug him, and feed him, and love him. And I will call him George.

[DyingBreed]

JT's leaving finally gives us closing on the Jimmy Johson era! Pheww........!

[Fishypete]

bobbyd12....what if Parcells has been scamming teams...thinking that he wants to trade back but really wants McClain to fall to him, what if the Dolphins already have their OLB in Dansby.

We could have McClain at 12, Akwasi Owusu-Ansah at 73.

[Rex Ryan]

meant wrong finfan.

[AZ Phinatic]

DOOF;
Moronic comment.. how many rings did we win with Dan Marino?? Also zero.. Does that mean you can treat him like garbage also and it's ok because he didnt bring a ring? HOw about a little respect to a couple of the best, hardest working warriors who gave EVERYTHING they had to this team. Fans are so quick to forget what some of the greats did.. Sometime I'm embarrased to be linked to some of these Dolphin fans. Such haters, and "what have you done for me lately idiots"

[John]

Amen Zach, I'm ashame to be a Dolphin fan right now..

[Yan]

First of all, an NFL franchise must respect its FANS, and field the best team possible.

JT is an injured 35 year old guy coming off a 7 sack season. We'll find a better player in the draft. It was time to move on.

You don't show respect to anyone by keeping franchise icons on your roster.

That said, Parcells is not a classy guy.

[Andy NJ]

I personally don't care. It's always better to get rid of a guy a year early then a year late. Taylor might have a very good year in NY and I actually think he will. Miami's biggest problem was defense last year. The over the top help with Wilson killed Miami week in and week out. Equally as bad was the athleticism at linebacker. Between Porter and Taylor at OLB Miami was slow and old.

It's a new year people. Business is business. Taylor wanted another pay day and to play football. The jets gave him both. I'm not mad. I don't care. He wasn't a good fit in Miami anymore, for whatever the reason.

New year I want to see Cameron Wake starting and playing. Is he a one trick pony? Yes. There are many successful linebackers in the league who are very good at being just rush guys. Shawne Merriman, Joey Porter (when he was good), Elvis Dumervil etc. The list goes on and on. At the other spot I see Miami going Derrick Morgan or Sergio Kindle in round 1. Some of you know my guy is Brandon Graham but he won't be the pick.

[Ricanphin]

I agree with the sense that if you do not need the player, that is OK FOOTBALL decision! But be professional and adult about the situation and treat iconic players, like Zach Thomas and Jason Taylor with MUCH MORE RESPECT! They have been with the organization, done more to the organization, and will be remembered by the organization more than BP, or sorry ass Jeff Ireland. I cannot stand the hyprocracy Jeff Ireland is conducting. Someone please kick his punk ARSH!!!!!! Make up for it by signing ZT for a day an allow him to retire, and the same when JT hangs his cleats. This is where the OWNER with ENOUGH COJONS, should step up and save the face of his ORGANIZATION!

[Cubaphin]

ENOUGH WITH THE JASON TAYLOR CRAP !!
HE'S GONE !
The Trifecta treated him like S**T !
And HE TOO couldve signed the Parcell's extension in November when he was presented with it, just like Ricky Williams signed his !

Its the day BEFORE the draft Mando, this should be ALL DRAFT, ALL THE TIME, till tomorrow at 7:30pm. enough with Jason taylor, He's a Jet now, move on !

[Doof]

You're a jack-ass AZ. I never said anything about not winning rings.

[SLICKRICKDOG]

THE MARKS BROTHERS 'WERE BETTER THAN JASON TAYLOR AND ZACK THOMAS YOU DON'T HEAR THEM CRYING!JASON AND ZACK NEVER WON CRAP FOR THE FINS THEY HAD WEAK MINDS WHO GAVE THAT VIBE TO THE REST OF THE TEAM 'SEE HOW THEY'RE HURT RIGHT NOW''YOU WON'T HEAR LARRY CSONKA CRY LIKE THAT!THEY FOLDED IN DECEMBER AND IN SECOND HALF OF GAMES..

[TorturedDolphan]

Well the stench comming out of SoFla is stronger than ever.

JT and and the FATFECTA have one thing in common - they are all losers in Miami. They have won nothing. Never will either. As a matter of fact, what has that fat whale running this team done recently? Gibril Wilson, Wilford, Pat White, not a playoff victory in nearly a decade, etc, etc, etc.

The whale is making a living off of his past accomplishments in decades gone by. Truth be told if judged by the past decade no one would give him a guaranteed contract that he could walk away from at any time with no consequences.

So as one loser franchise says goodbye to its loser poster child who could always be heard lamenting his teams pathetic play and annual late season misery the question must be asked who gives a shi*?

[Cubaphin]

I HATE THE JETS EVEN MORE NOW! I thought it was impossible to hate a team more but now, i see that IT IS POSSIBLE !

[D-dense]

Yeah Cubaphin, I agree let's move on! Thoughts on our number 1 pick?

[D-dense]

Tortured, where you been? Your like a breath of fresh air!

[Indiana Dolfan]

Big Ben being suspended 4-6 games, which will be just in time for him to make his return against our Dolphins....he's gonna wish he was still suspended rather then facing the Dolphins in Miami

[AZ Phinatic]

DyingBreed your a negative moron.. Sad to have you as part of Phins Nation

[NJ PHIN FAN]

Can someone wake me up when we're done with this jason taylor soap opera BS ???

[F-Rod]

When u look at it, Parcells and his despotism have no loyalty. Why isnt he w the Cowboys right now? Cause hes not a 'yes' man. He scrambled out of Texas so if the Boys get the ring soon, my God hes a pigskin genius!!! If they dont, oh well he takes no blame. Brilliant!

[AZ Phinatic]

DOOF:
My bad man, it wasnt you! Sorry Bro.

[mR742]

Sorry but the Dolphins and any other NFL team dont HAVE to do anything for their players. JT couldn't wait for 2-3 more days to see if he was going to get offered a contract...too bad for him.

Glad he's on the jets, THE ONLY NFL TEAM TO OFFER HIM A CONTRACT. What dont you guys get about that, NO OTHER TEAM IN THE NFL WOULD OFFER HIM ANY TYPE OF CONTRACT....doesnt this tell you anything? Obviously none of the other 31 teams in the NFL saw anything worth 4mil coming from JT this year.

I love JT to death but as he said in his conference, this is a business....move on, good luck to JT, F the jets, go Phins

[ALoco]

TUNA IS THE KING OF ALL KINGS .

[Dolfdan13]

Mark Sanchez loves his hot dogs!!

[Doof]

S'all good AZ

[ALoco]

NO OTHER TEAM OFFERED JT A CONTRACT ? WHAT' THAT MEANS DONKEYS ?

[TorturedDolphan]

I will always remember JT for the time he was trash talking Jets fans in NY on MNF and then was able to witness one of the great sports comebacks or choke jobs ever. Could anyone who follows this team tell me where those great Dolphin defences lead by JT and Thomas were in November and December? Like I said one loser franchise, owned by a loser (what celebs are you guys going to bring on board this year that laugh in the press box while your team is getting slapped), ran by a loser (last time Parcels won a playoff game anyone anyone anyone) saying goodbye to a loser. Pathetic.

[die hard fan]

WHAT IF JT FRIST GAME HIT CHAD AND PUT HIM OUT SOME GAMES..I MEAN CLEAN HIS CLOCK..I WONT FEEL BAD CUZ JT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A DOLPHIN ALL ALONG

[D-dense]

Any thoughts on Jerry Hughs, since LB position is now important to fill. Others have expressed an interest Kindle?

[Snowman]

Boo hoo for JT. Good riddance chumpstain. Why are we crying over a secong tier talent. Suddenly the Dolphins are at fault for wanting to explore their options. JT waited to make his decision two days before the draft?

[D-dense]

Weatherspoon?

[Robbyhenz]

Breaking news: dolphins trade 12th pick to Steelers for Big Ben and receive steelers 2nd rd pick..

[D-dense]

Draft?

[Robbyhenz]

Just kidding!!! Just wanted to get off topic of the 36 yr old, 7 sack, surgery recovering, dancing with stars LEGEND!!

[DOLPHAN WITHOUT ??]

Phins showed no class, i love them but how they handled this and Zach was BS...yes they were old and need to go but show some respect and respect the tradition!!!

[TorturedDolphan]

Hi everyone ahahah im an A S S H O L E and im back My team the Jets havent won anything for 41 years im so stoooopid, dont listen to a coward P U S S Y like me i was born to a crack ho

[TorturedDolphan]

my moms pimp showed her more respect when she was on her knees in the mens room then Parcells showed JT

[Litos]

Were supposed to believe Zach Thomas couldn't get a press conference together? With Drew Rosenhaus as his agent? That's pretty damn funny.

[Michael L Pratt Sr]

Bill Parcell I have no respect for you!

[JerseyPhins]

im more concerned with the regime building me a football team... say WORD!!!

[TorturedDolphan]

I COME ON OTHERS BLOGS CAUSE NO ONE LIKES ME, PLEASE LIKE ME, IM A COMPLETE LOSER LIKE REX RYAN

[Fishypete]

Updating a previous report, NFL.com reports NFL commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed that Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger will be suspended without pay for the first six games of the 2011 season for conduct detrimental to the NFL. Roethlisberger must also undergo a comprehensive behavioral evaluation by medical professionals.

That means that the Steelers will be without him playing the Dolphins!!

[Michael L Pratt Sr]

Parcells, I look forward to the day you're all washed up. You have to draw a line. Jason Taylor deserves better and if you don't know that, you will. I've never rooted for the Jets, but I will now.

[JerseyPhins]

Mando- this is all i care about as a Dolphin Fan!

"Their football decisions were probably correct in both instances. Their people skills were lacking both times"

[Ken]

This is a comment about the draft. I would love for Miami to get Dez Bryant with the 12th pick and trade for Osi Umenyiora or Shawn Merriman and give up a 3rd or 4th draft pick. For the simple fact we have so many wholes on defense and offense and we can still bring a good young vet in to help with the defense. Dez will be a good fit because defense wont have to focus on Marshall as much.Then Miami can pick up O.J. Atogwe on June first for the safety spot.

[Truefan]

Hey pratt, you sound like a punk. You should go root for the jets you sorry a s s. And take all the other crybabies on here too.

[Litos]

Anyone who will now root for the Jets because of taylor is a worthless Dolphins fan and isn't needed anyway.

[Waterboy]

With 30 hours to go before the NFL draft begins, trade rumors are heating up. And the latest has the Dallas Cowboys interested in acquiring the 13th overall pick from the San Francisco 49ers.

Matt Maiocco of the Press Democrat reports that the Cowboys are interested in moving up to 13 to select defensive back Earl Thomas of Texas.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

We cant pass on My Name is Earl.

[D]

Wait, did Zach comment on JT forcing his way out of town 2 years ago?

[Michael L Pratt Sr]

There is something in life for more important than football. Don't expect you to understand. You blinded by a GAME!

[Waterboy]

D, No, he helped pack the bags

[Waterboy]

Big Ben to the Bills.. you heard it here first

[D-dense]

Ken, obiously we need defensive talent and right now LB appears to be the void to fill. Any thoughts on young talent in the draft like hughs, weatherspoon or kindle?