The NFL has warned "several teams" that players are not to meet with coaches and receive playbooks during this time in the offseason, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported over the weekend. The league has sent the Dolphins no such warning.
But perhaps it should.
That's because Chad Henne, Miami's presumed starting quarterback, told The Miami Herald today he's been meeting with new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll for the last month in preparation for player-organized workouts that would replace any offseason workouts or minicamps lost to a possible lockout or other circumstance related to the uncertain and unresolved collective bargaining contract.
Henne, apparently comfortable with the new playbook, would presumably run the offensive portion of the workouts. To be equiped for that task, Henne had to learn portions of the playbook, or at least significant portions of it. And to do that, he likely had to study the darn thing.
Regardless, even meeting with Daboll to discuss strategy and plays is apparently out of bounds, according to the Plain Dealer. And that definitely happened.
"I took some vacation time, maybe a week or two here or there, but once we signed Coach Brian Daboll, I tried to get into there as quick as I could to learn the offense," Henne told the Herald's David J. Neal. "I've been meeting with him for the last month now. I feel pretty comfortable with what he's teaching and what the offense is going to be about just in case -- who knows what's going to happen this Thursday? -- that I can pass it on to the guys and help the guys out."
Henne is quoted extensively in the story talking about the new offense and how it is quarterback friendly and a mix of the New England and New York Jets offense. The story does not make the conclusion that Henne violated any rules. It does not even consider the topic.
But I do.
According to the Plain Dealer, coaches and GMs at the NFL Scouting Combine were told by league officials that existing rules forbid meetings with coaches and the dispensing of playbooks until the official start of offseason conditioning programs on March 15. The league is saying the offseason rules were a concession to the wishes of the players union, which did not want coaches pressuring players to meet with coaches until the off-season programs kicked off, the Plain Dealer reported.
The Plain Dealer report specifically addressed meetings relative to strategy. Players and coaches are allowed to meet to discuss other matters, such as contract issues and to simply handle introductions and other business until March 3, it has been reported.
An NFL spokesman could not immediately be reached on this matter. A message left with a Dolphins spokesman has not yet been returned.
Update: A Dolphins spokesman declined comment and added he would not even confirm that Henne had indeed met with Daboll -- although the spokesman was present today when Henne said he met with Daboll. I find that amusing for some reason.
Update 2: Whatever advantage the Dolphins gained (if any) is done because the league year ends March 3rd anyway and everyone knows and understands there is to be no contact between players and their teams after March 3rd.
Update 3: Veteran St. Louis scribe and radio host Howard Balzer passed along the portion of the NFL's clarification of the Collective Bargaining Agreement that shows the contact between Henne and Daboll to be out of bounds.
The current collective bargaining agreement, which doesn’t expire until midnight March 3, has strict rules regarding what players can do before the beginning of offseason programs. The NFL has made this clear to clubs by way of written clarification. That clarification reads:
"Prior to the start of off-season programs, players are permitted to use the Club’s facilities on a voluntary basis subject to the following rules: (i) such players may not receive per diem payments or workout bonuses of any kind and may not be paid or reimbursed expenses for travel, board or lodging during this period; (ii) such players are not permitted to participate in organized workouts, practices or meetings of any kind; (iii) the Club’s strength and conditioning coaches may not direct such players’ individual workouts, but may supervise use of the weight room to prevent injury, correct misuse of equipment, etc.; and (iv) such players may not be directed or supervised by position coaches during this period."
Obviously, the quarterback meeting with the offensive coordinator is a meeting of some kind when the CBA clearly states meetings of any kind are out of bounds.
Balzer also tells me via e-mail that in St. Louis, quarterback Sam Bradford has not met with his new offensive coordinator for this reason.
Update 4: Henne didn't just meet with Brian Daboll. Quarterback coach Karl Dorrell was in the room also at Dolphins training camp. That is similarly a violation of the CBA. And this is not just speculation. This is straight from Henne's mouth.
Watch the video:
DD, I'll have to keep the "Empress of Pineapples" away, she lovvvvvves the Jeigermiester................
Posted by: Cuban Menace | February 28, 2011 at 04:35 PM
I have been blown away by the 40's posted by many QB's at the Combine, in the 4.5's range. WTH is this! What are they feeding them? If it is so, grab'em, grab'em!
Posted by: oscar canosa | February 28, 2011 at 04:36 PM
I've read many places that Harbaugh and Alex smith have been meeting regularly. Smith is a FA march 3rd so.... I guess they doing it illegally also.
Posted by: BoulderPhinFan | February 28, 2011 at 04:38 PM
The Empress only partakes of spirits so she can better understand the bleatings of the drunken rubbish she rules over.
I shall also have all the Jagermeister I care to. I may even send my minions to your home to steal a bottle or two.
I HAVE SPOKEN.
Posted by: Empress of Pineapples | February 28, 2011 at 04:38 PM
Dan, Lil Aloco is the craetor of "Spoongebob squire pants"........
Posted by: Cuban Menace | February 28, 2011 at 04:41 PM
Aloco, you can't just go out and buy "baby saillfish" or marlin or whatever the hell else you're talking about and put them in a freaking AQUARIUM!
Good grief.
Posted by: dan | February 28, 2011 at 04:41 PM
DD,
What is the seating capacity of your bar?
Posted by: DyingBreed | February 28, 2011 at 04:43 PM
interested to see if the 2012 season will even start on time. this season is 100 percent gone already
Posted by: bill connors | February 28, 2011 at 04:43 PM
OMG, Guy's the Empress has graced us..., What is your bidding my mistress?????????????
Posted by: Cuban Menace | February 28, 2011 at 04:44 PM
I have always wanted(as an Adult), D.D., to own and run a fine Restaurant. But I see your point. What's the difference of a few 100,000 $'s for all the work?
Posted by: oscar canosa | February 28, 2011 at 04:46 PM
DAN YOU DONT KNOW ABOUT IT BUT I BELIEVE THE FISH WILL STAY LIKE LITTLE BABYS IN THE AQURERUM. DID YOU EVER SEE THE BONSIDE TREES FROM THE JAPAN? THEY ARE BIG TREES THAT ARE VERY TINY IN THERE LITTLE BOWLS. THE SAIL FISH AND MARLIN CAN BE LIKE THAT IN THE AQURERUM AND EAT VERY LITTLE JUST SOME CUT UP MEAT.
Posted by: ALoco | February 28, 2011 at 04:47 PM
Armando... you're an absolutely adorable child. It's so nice to have you back, lashing out, like only a child does when they don't get the proper attention they rightfully deserve. Why is that during "mandatory furloughs" writers like Neal and Darlington were still submitting pieces for the Herald. I'm not implying anything, I just thought it was curious. I know why you do pieces like this. It's the same reason you constantly defend yourself when people call you a beat writer. You so badly want to be credited for being a real hard hitting journalist but even you know you're not quite there yet. Now I'm not going to do what you want me to do, like question your poor eating habits or your loyalty... Oops. Let me cover myself by using your new favorite saying... But I digress. Let me help you out just a little. First off, quit attacking your employer business model and then in the very next line pimp your own radio show and twitter feed. In case you forgot just reference your last blog before your time off. I'm sorry but capitalism only works one way so if you don't like your job get a new one. I was going to say you can't have your cake and eat it too but you obviously found a loophole in that system. Shoot I did it again, but... come on Armando say it with me, I know you want to. But. I. Di..... na you get the picture. Look I know you've got a lot of Dolphin fans breathing down your neck right now but don't worry. I'm sure Jim Mandich will die soon and you'll be able to do a nice fluff piece about it and you'll get the rambling mass back on your side. Just keep that double chin up ok slugger.
Posted by: jet black | February 28, 2011 at 04:48 PM
BoulderPhinFan, I see you're trying to lead a boycott of this blog ... but seeing as that you've commented four times since posting the idea, I'd say you have work to do as a leader.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | February 28, 2011 at 04:51 PM
Armando,
Why are snitching out the team?
Posted by: DyingBreed | February 28, 2011 at 04:51 PM
Looks like boulderphin will be going the principal's office and get a suspension(ban). LOL........
Posted by: DyingBreed | February 28, 2011 at 04:53 PM
I bid thee to stand outsdide and sing songs of praise to me.
I command all in my domain to create grand sculptures celebrating moments of amazing achievement in my life and emphasising my stunning beauty.
I decree that all children be made to wear masks portraying their Empress' beautiful face and to hide their own ugly features from my delicate eyes.
I shall have more commands for you tomorrow.
I HAVE SPOKEN.
Posted by: Empress of Pineapples | February 28, 2011 at 04:54 PM
Nah, jet black, you will probably find out that People are People.
Posted by: oscar canosa | February 28, 2011 at 04:54 PM
Bryant Gumble was talking about what you said on his TV show. I saw it.
Posted by: robin | February 28, 2011 at 04:55 PM
Armando, you are HORRIBLE! Did you really just let the NFL know or further realize that the Dolphins are in the wrong? I am sure they would have eventually figured it out, but you writing this just impress someone is ridiculous. Get off the staff if you don't like this team, it's plenty bad w/o throwing them under the bus.
Posted by: Malanga | February 28, 2011 at 04:55 PM
Oh.......... Now I get it Armando. Snitch out the team, NFL levies its santion, and you get something nice to write about.
EUREKA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: DyingBreed | February 28, 2011 at 04:56 PM
never seen a writer get so bashed on a blog. im not from miami, is this armando guy known for being awful???
Posted by: bill connors | February 28, 2011 at 04:57 PM
OMG, The empress and now Mando????, What is your bidding my friends...... This is like seeing a Yeti or the Loch Ness monster at the same time.... OMG...OMG....
Posted by: Cuban Menace | February 28, 2011 at 04:58 PM
Armando is a blog piromaniac. He started a fire and now is sitting back laughing his a*ss off watching it burn! LOL...............
Posted by: DyingBreed | February 28, 2011 at 04:58 PM
Jet black, invest your condescension on someone who worries about stuff about which you speak. I'm too old and been around too long for that stuff to work on me.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | February 28, 2011 at 04:58 PM
Armando,
This is the coolest to actually have you here trading barbs with us! LOL..............
Posted by: DyingBreed | February 28, 2011 at 04:59 PM
I think there is plenty wrong with this article. Not enough research done about the rules (or at least presented) and no thought given to the possible loopholes mentioned by numerous posters.
But Mando snitching to the NFL?! Give me a break! Henne mentioned it to a freakin' reporter who subsequently put it in his story. Is there any reason to believe the "NFL" (whatever that means) is going to read this blog but not have already read this story?
Posted by: nobody important | February 28, 2011 at 05:00 PM
Armando,
I know youre laughing your a*ss of right now. Those busting your balls will be licking in the not so distant future! LOL...........
Isnt that how it always works? LOL.........
Posted by: DyingBreed | February 28, 2011 at 05:02 PM
on google it has armando wanting to be just like jason whitlock in an article?
Posted by: bill connors | February 28, 2011 at 05:02 PM
Mando, hat do you see??? 4 and 12 or what???, Tell us wha your "Pre" Perdiction is??????
Posted by: Cuban Menace | February 28, 2011 at 05:03 PM
nobody important,
Hmmmmm......... You just gave another reason to run Henne out of tow. HE'S DUMBER THAN A BOX OF MOON ROCKS! LOL..............
Posted by: DyingBreed | February 28, 2011 at 05:04 PM
What's up, dyingbreed? Just first day back at work and already got the natives riled up.
Yup, I'm a snitch because I told everyone what Chad Henne said to a handful of reporters at a charity event about his meetings with his OC.
Some people are ridiculous.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | February 28, 2011 at 05:05 PM
Plz Armando stop telling you media people kill me with this snitching stuff it's called a heads up you know we need it with this division we're in jeez. Erase this article before the league punishes us
Posted by: jayp0106 | February 28, 2011 at 05:05 PM
ROTFLMAO@ Armando 5:05 PM. LOL...............
Posted by: DyingBreed | February 28, 2011 at 05:08 PM
Mando,Have they discovered the "Roseeta Stone" of aloco "Writings" or should we still try to dicpher his broken English???
Posted by: Cuban Menace | February 28, 2011 at 05:08 PM
OK folks, gotta go get some dinner for the double chins and so forth ... Continue to rip away at the messenger ...
And see you back here tomorrow.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | February 28, 2011 at 05:09 PM
Yeah Armando, that Henne is dumber than a box of petrified rocks! No way should we move forward with him! LOL...............
Posted by: DyingBreed | February 28, 2011 at 05:09 PM
Man the league already knows get off mandos back... Our fearless leader.. (fat neck henne) already made sure that the league would know by announcing it... What a tool!!!
Posted by: grrreatdane | February 28, 2011 at 05:10 PM
no way miami wins more than 5 games. this team is horrible and keeps making awful decisions like giving solari 12 mill a year. what a joke
Posted by: bill connors | February 28, 2011 at 05:13 PM
Also if u don't like his reporting why do u keep coming back... That's a sign of insanity continually doing something and expecting different results... If u didn't like him then and u don't like him now what makes u think that tomorrow will be different!!
Posted by: grrreatdane | February 28, 2011 at 05:13 PM
Find another fins blog to read there are plenty if them out there!!!
Posted by: grrreatdane | February 28, 2011 at 05:15 PM
grrreatdane,
I would rather have a box of petrified rocks at qb for us now than Chad Henne. He just really confirmed "off the field" what he has already confirmed "on the field".
HE'S DUMBER THAN A BOX OF PETRIFIED ROCKS! LOL..........
Posted by: DyingBreed | February 28, 2011 at 05:15 PM
Mando is taking this way to personel, We rip on everyone........, If we dont rip on you, you can cxonsider yourself "Unrip worthy"..., So Mando consider yourself We love you...(Not in a Homosexual way, but.., well you know.....)
Posted by: Cuban Menace | February 28, 2011 at 05:15 PM
I just saw a flamingo on tv.
Posted by: Chip | February 28, 2011 at 05:16 PM
Db... Don't insult the rocks they aren't that dumb.... ROFL
Posted by: grrreatdane | February 28, 2011 at 05:16 PM
practice makes perfect
Henne for president 2012!
Posted by: beerphin | February 28, 2011 at 05:16 PM
I just wonder how he gets dressed in the morning.... His wife must help him....
Posted by: grrreatdane | February 28, 2011 at 05:17 PM
henne is the worst starting qb in the nfl. he wont last more than 5 starts, then they will panic knowing they will all be fired after the season
Posted by: bill connors | February 28, 2011 at 05:18 PM
No Chad hunny u gotta put ur boxers on before ur pants and take the shoes off ur hands!!
Posted by: grrreatdane | February 28, 2011 at 05:18 PM
Breed, Petrired rocks have been insulted worldwide....
Posted by: Cuban Menace | February 28, 2011 at 05:19 PM
I hope this confirms to Ireland/Sparano how big a trouble they are at the qb position.
Henne just made the young Terry Bradshaw look like Albert Eisntien! LOL..................
Posted by: DyingBreed | February 28, 2011 at 05:19 PM
ARMADO SAGUERO HAVE COME ON AND TOLKD ((THE LAW)) TO EVERY BODY HERE LIKE THE MARSHAL ON BONANZA THE OLD SHOW THAT PUT HIS GUN IN THE AIR AND FIRED IT TO HAVE EVERY BODYS ATTENTON
Posted by: ALoco | February 28, 2011 at 05:19 PM
I saw another flamingo.
Posted by: Chip | February 28, 2011 at 05:22 PM
bill conners,
After this king of stupidity by Henne, I dont even wanna see him get 5 reps in summer camp. Please say you're kidding about him having 5 starts. LOL........
Posted by: DyingBreed | February 28, 2011 at 05:22 PM
The other day I was reading an article online about the 50 worst wonderlic scores... I'm surprised that henne wasn't on the list....
Posted by: grrreatdane | February 28, 2011 at 05:23 PM
Aloco, WTF or you babbling about????,. I thought you were going to work 2 hours ago.... Is the dish machine broken??
Posted by: Cuban Menace | February 28, 2011 at 05:24 PM
They would have to be nuts to start that man this season... If they do they must be looking to get fired so they can sit at home making millions.... Actually that doesn't sound like a bad idea... Lol
Posted by: grrreatdane | February 28, 2011 at 05:26 PM
I ALL READY TOLD YOU ABOUT THE DISH MACHINE IT HAS A PROBLEM WITH (((HOT))) WATER I DIDNT SAY I WAS GOING TO WORK THEN SO YOU ARE ALSO WRONG ABOUT THAT. ALL WRONGS TODAY FROM THE DOOM SAYERS AND ((DAN)) ABOUT THE FISH I TALKED OF
Posted by: ALoco | February 28, 2011 at 05:27 PM
Nor was the box of rocks...
Posted by: grrreatdane | February 28, 2011 at 05:27 PM
Henne is dumber than my d*ick. At least my d*ick is smart enough to not rat out my balls! LOL................
Posted by: DyingBreed | February 28, 2011 at 05:27 PM
Um... Yea u did say u had to go to work to pay for all the unemployed gang of defeat not to long ago...
Posted by: grrreatdane | February 28, 2011 at 05:29 PM