I love and admire Dolphins fans.
You are the reason I am employed. You feed my family and put a roof over my head. You are passionate. You are usually well-informed. Many of you are bright. And you're beaten down after a decade of unacceptable results by your once-elite football franchise.
But Tuesday's protest across the street from the Dolphins practice facility in Davie, Fl.?
Not the way to do it.
Firstly, it was hastily planned. It was modestly attended. It was not exactly exactly Martin Luther King's march on Selma, Alabama as you can see by the video I shot below.
The Dolphins recognized the gathering. The club released the following statement through a spokesman:
"We have the most passionate fans in football and they are not shy about letting their sentiments be known. We understand and we are working hard on giving them something to cheer about this season."
And here is the video:
But here is my point:
That is not the way to do it.
A gathering of two dozen Dolphins fans in the middle of the afternoon in the offseason doesn't really touch the team. It doesn't make the team feel your pain. It doesn't move the meter to force change as much as other things do.
What things?
Do. NOT. Buy. Tickets.
Do. NOT. Purchase. Jerseys.
If you are disgruntled with Miami Dolphins LLC, you have to send a message to this business by approaching it in a business manner.
And if you do have to attend the games and purchase $10 beers and $18 sandwiches in the concession stand, then do it on a day when Stephen Ross is likely to be on the field. Arrive early to Miami's home games when Ross is roaming the sideline. And then boo him lustily or chant or otherwise voice displeasure so you get his attention.
In other words, deliver the message to the person with the power to change things. And let him know you are upset in an up-close-and-personal manner.
Golden State Warriors fans took that approach this week. And it is all over the national news. And it embarrassed Warriors owner Joe Lacob. And chances are really good he now understands how toxic he has made things with Golden State fans.
There were 18,000 people gathered at the Warriors' game and they rained down holy heck on Lacob. That is much, much, much more effective than 24 souls holding up signs across from the training facility ... while Ross is home in New York.
Just so were clear guys...its the OFF SEASON.....and most likely there will not be a higeb gathering of fans any time soon.....
The example that Armando gave...along with most that I have seen posted by of us on here are things that happened DURING the season....right now the Florida FANS don't have that option.....
They are doing WHAT they can....what are you doing.....
Posted by: Kris | March 21, 2012 at 07:49 AM
As much of a fan as I am I wonder how many of these "protestors" have protested in Washington or at the state capital, or somewhere where it matters and where change really needs to take place.
Posted by: Finbo | March 21, 2012 at 07:50 AM
Were they giving out free birth control at this protest?
Posted by: Finbo | March 21, 2012 at 07:51 AM
Finbo...I agree @ 7:50...that is a good post IMO....
@ 7:51 not as good...IMO.....
Posted by: Kris | March 21, 2012 at 07:53 AM
ANYONE SAYING ANGRY FANS ARE STUPID AND CHAMPIONSHIPS AREN'T WON IN MARCH AND GIVE IRELAND A CHANCE AND THAT HE WAS SMART FOR PASSING ON ORTON AND BLAH, BLAH, BLAH....WAKE UP!!! HOW IS WHAT WE ENDED UP WITH ANY BETTER??? LOSING RECORDS AND TOP 10 DRAFT PICKS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE. IRELAND AND ROSS AND EVEN THE DIMWITS BEFORE THEM HAVE BROUGHT US NOTHING AND WE ARE NOW AT A NEW LOW. WE ARE A JOKE TO THE ENTIRE LEAGUE. OPEN YOUR EYES!!! YOU SAY THE SAME THING EVERY YEAR. GIVE THEM A CHANCE, TRUST THE SYSTEM, IT'S NOT THEIR FAULT, HE HAS PROMISE, BLAH BLAH BLAH. ENOUGH!!! DEMAND MORE!!! WE DESERVE BETTER!!! NO MORE BLIND FAITH AND ACCEPTING MEDIOCRITY OR WORSE!!! SCREW ROSS AND FIRE IRELAND!!!!
Posted by: Rob M | March 21, 2012 at 07:54 AM
Why not Tebow? Merril Hoge speaks out...
Plenty of analysts have questioned Tebow’s arm, but Hoge questions Tebow’s mind. According to Hoge, Tebow is clueless when it comes to understanding how to run an NFL offense, and lacks the brainpower to read an NFL defense.
“The more I studied him in an NFL setting, the more disturbed I was that he has no clue what he’s looking at,” Hoge said of Tebow. “His IQ as a football player is not very good. That is why they have to come down and make it some of a college-form system that he’s comfortable with in Florida. He can’t execute, from a cerebral aspect, a pro-style system.”
Posted by: Horton Hoo | March 21, 2012 at 07:59 AM
A boycott will just force Ross's hand and perhaps that wouldn't be so bad. If he moved the Phins to Orlando,LA , Portland or San Antonio then this city might actually miss them. Maybe that's what this city needs. A wake up call that all is being lost to the greed and selfish interests of the rich and powerful while the rest of us are pointed at the sugar troughs and gambling venues like SHEEP. ARE YOU SHEEP?
I am a fisherman! I was born here! I work hard! But seeing this happen to our Dolphins makes me question why I would want to stay here. Mega-casinos for Rick Scott and Stephen Ross? Really? That is what you are going to turn South Florida into? A pit of pestilence and disease? Race tracks and casinos? That's all the great "vision" of Joe Robbie and Wayne Huizenga can afford? Give me a break.
But don't take my word for it. Take out your Google maps and just compare the areas around the stadiums in the NFL. The NFL gets it. They want family environments for their best stadiums and their best football towns. They don't want football attached to casino gambling. Football is a purer sport than that. Football and this city deserve better treatment from its so called "leaders".
Posted by: maoriii | March 21, 2012 at 07:59 AM
Armando, your right about not purchasing tickets and jersey's and how Golden State fans protested. However your wrong about the demonstation here because it did send a message to the team as you even stated because the team released a statement about it.
The only bad thing about it, is that there weren't 30,000 more fans protesting. Hopefully this is the beginning of bigger protests to come from the fans because WE ARE THE LAUGHING STOCK OF THE NFL thanks to the two fools that don't don't know what the hell they are doing. Do you understand that.
Posted by: FIRE IRELAND! | March 21, 2012 at 08:03 AM
LOL at the Tebow haters. I know what I saw- and what I saw was a WINNER. A CLUTCH performer. It's not like the Dolphins will have to give up a ton to get him. I mean, it sucks that they gave up a top ten receiver for two third round picks. Anyway, does anyone think Tebow would be worse than what we're currently facing at qb? Really? I like Moore and I hope Garrard is as good as he expects to be. Maybe they will surprise us. But even if it's just from a business perspective, the Dolphins are going to need to sale tickets this season. The apathy is palpable. Bringing in Tebow will sell tickets.
Posted by: Bring in Tebow | March 21, 2012 at 08:04 AM
Hall of Famer Nick Buoniconti -
“There is a monumental weakness in the organization,” he said Tuesday. “You can’t possibly lose out on every single individual, whether management or player or coach, without there being consequences to pay for it. They obviously don’t understand free agency.
Posted by: Tim in Tampa | March 21, 2012 at 08:05 AM
Fan's
Fire yourselves on the grounds of being clueless and stupid.
Posted by: You're fired. | March 21, 2012 at 08:05 AM
This must be where all the SHEEP hang out.
Posted by: maoriii | March 21, 2012 at 08:05 AM
You know what profits from pestilence and disease don't you? Parasites!
Posted by: maoriii | March 21, 2012 at 08:08 AM
Bring in Tebow
Do you care more about filling the stadium or winning games? Tebow will sell tickets until we are 0 and 4 and that will be that.
Moore's stats last year were far superior to Tebow's. Tebow was fine for college, just like Pat White, and just like Pat White...he obviously can't make it in the NFL. Tebow won a few games running, not passing, and that success lasts no more than a few games.
There is a REASON the price on Tebow is as cheap as bubble gum. Don't take my word, take the word of John Elway.
I can't believe ANYBODY other than Sparano wants Tebow.
Posted by: Horton Hoo | March 21, 2012 at 08:12 AM
"Parasitism is a type of non mutual relationship between organisms where one organism... the parasite, benefits at the expense of the other, the host."
Yep tourists and NFL owners in this area fit the bill perfectly. LOL
Mr. Ross please never forget that you are a tourist here. If any more of the shenanigans keep up with you and your buddy Scott then I may have to rethink my description to include "Blood Sucking Leech" as another category for consideration.
Big Amberjacks and other Reef fish get parasites too. Big worms and other gross stuff. I would hate to have to lump you into that category as well... LOL For now you are still a tourist but that can change real fast.
Posted by: maoriii | March 21, 2012 at 08:12 AM
Looking for sponsors:
Organizing a boycott of home dolphin games. Will be looking into Bayfront Park as a possible location, pulling proper permits and bringing in live acts as well as radio and TV. This nonsense must stop!
Posted by: Ireland's Strikes Again!!! | March 21, 2012 at 08:16 AM
GET THROUGH THIS YEAR, FIRE THAT A-HOLE IRELAND AND QUIETLY; SEE HOW I SAID QUIETLY, BRING IN THE POLIAN'S!!!
Posted by: BILLY | March 21, 2012 at 08:17 AM
#occupyDavie
Posted by: dantheman | March 21, 2012 at 08:19 AM
Armand, I don't understand your point, how can you not buy tickets, wich means, don't go to games, and boo ross, on the sidelines at the same time? Just wondering, because that made no sense, at all.
Posted by: rick farkas | March 21, 2012 at 08:22 AM
Ross is a Jets fan...why else did he keep the weasel Ireland?
Posted by: Edge | March 21, 2012 at 08:23 AM
The reason some people dislike Tebow is because he wears his religion on his sleeve. They won't admit it but that's what it comes down to. Fair enough. But they're gonna love it when he wins us games. Plus Tebow will get us on ESPN. Give us fans hope, give us something to be excited about, give us Tebow!
Posted by: Bring in Tebow | March 21, 2012 at 08:27 AM
You guys should listen to fishermen more and the idiot machine (tv) less. Now it's open season on sea trout. There is a REASON we had these laws. Just look at the catch photos. Fish have been getting smaller and smaller in my lifetime. And you open up Sea Trout? Now folks are catching them 80 at a time in the upper Keys. Are you stoned?
We successfully managed Swordfish! They get bigger in the pictures. Why? Because our LAWS work! I am from here. I have witnessed with my own eyes the economic benefits of the Net Ban, for example. I don't need some Tallahassee FASCIST telling me my laws and regulations don't work. You hear that politicians and related scum bags? Our Laws and Regs aren't the problem. You ARE!
Posted by: maoriii | March 21, 2012 at 08:33 AM
finfan4ever Go jump off a SHORT PIER!
Posted by: maoriii | March 21, 2012 at 08:35 AM
finfan4ever We don't need anymore Fascist Trash in this city thanks! So when are you leaving?
Posted by: maoriii | March 21, 2012 at 08:35 AM
Shut up already and let's see what draft day brings...you are howling at the moon...Wasting your time and energy...Ireland has only had one year. Manning wasn't coming here and you wanted them to commit $10M to a guy with two NFL starts....One of them in a garbage game. Fisher...come on! He is good, not great...ireland has to clean up the mess his Tuna man left....Tuna picked Sparano...Tuna passed on Ryan...Saban passed on Brees...So did Spielman and Wannstedt...Relax...
Posted by: Mike S | March 21, 2012 at 08:37 AM
Tebow to Miami is highly unlikely.
Philbin wants to run a WCO.
Tebow is not a WCO style QB.
It has nothing to do with religion although the man is obviously blessed.
Posted by: Tim in Tampa | March 21, 2012 at 08:37 AM
I don't need a fascist to tell me I'm a "badass" idiot. What a joke this place is. I have a chum bag and a gaff for that...
Posted by: maoriii | March 21, 2012 at 08:38 AM
I'm willing to give the team the off-season to complete the roster. Ross made his decision...it would be INSANE to fire Ireland a month before the draft. INSANE. And, clearly, Ross is not going to sell the team.
To show my support for the team I will never give up on, I just bought three new caps and a Matt Moore fathead.
Ireland may be a poor GM...but at least HE hasn't given up on the team. And neither have I!
Posted by: Matthew | March 21, 2012 at 08:50 AM
What a bunch of frickin idiots. real effective guys, way to make yourself and most Dolfans look like morons. I can see the planning meeting for that now:
Okay guys lets make some signs and stand on the side of the road protesting dolphins management but the whole time we will just chant "say no to Tebow." Make sense right?
Plus some of us will wear our Dolphins apperral and we will try to get people to honk when they go by...
About 20 of us should cover it right? Okay cool, lets go look like idiots.
Posted by: thavafin | March 21, 2012 at 08:51 AM
We even suck at protesting........
Posted by: Sadfinfan | March 21, 2012 at 08:51 AM
Armando,
I agree with you 100%. Boycott is the best form of advocacy when it comes to entertainment.
And I don't take protests seriously unless it involves the correcting of a perceived injustice that has life altering effects upon the masses.
This is all just silly stuff. I have been a Dolphin's fan for some 35 years. When they got rid of Shula, I thought about following another team since I live in Cleveland (like the Steelers), but there was always Marino to watch. When they got rid of Marino, JT was there.
This is the first time no player or coach has my attention. Go Steelers.
Posted by: ajdczar | March 21, 2012 at 08:52 AM
Owner and GM not worth naming you guys, we want to compete let Philbin do his job. Let people who knows football handle our situation ross and ireland don't get involved you guys are a cancer to the organization.
Posted by: teal | March 21, 2012 at 08:52 AM
Tim in Tampa, Horton Hoo, et al.
Do you guys REALLY think Tebow would be a downgrade at qb. Be honest. At worst I think he would be on par with what we're looking at. But here's the thing. We have no one on this team who is marketable. No one. We traded away our only playmaker for peanuts. Awful trade. Tebow is the one guy left who can put butts in the seats and generate some excitement. John Fox was able to win with Tebow- something he could not do with Orton, the guy many on this site were pining for. I suspect Philbin will be able to do so as well.
Posted by: Bring in Tebow | March 21, 2012 at 08:53 AM
Do you guys REALLY think Tebow would be a downgrade at qb. Be honest.
Posted by: Bring in Tebow | March 21, 2012 at 08:53 AM
Yes, a HUGE downgrade. You don't get it. He was the least accurate passer in the entire NFL last year. What do you think is the MOST important thing for a QB? Accuracy. Moore and Garrard are far more valualbe and experienced than him.
You are stuck on the fact he had a little win streak running the ball. That won't hold up. You need a smart, accurate QB. Tebow is neither.
Posted by: Horton Hoo | March 21, 2012 at 08:57 AM
thankfully we have no interest in tebow. that would be the low of the lows. start moore, and u better have a great draft. DO NOT WASTE THE 8th pick on a qb. take the best player avail with every pick
Posted by: dusty bottoms | March 21, 2012 at 08:59 AM
So where are all the Vigilante Fascists this morning?
Posted by: maoriii | March 21, 2012 at 09:01 AM
Hiding? GOOD!
Posted by: maoriii | March 21, 2012 at 09:05 AM
How much for the Little Boy Governor? How much is APPROPRIATE eh?
Posted by: maoriii | March 21, 2012 at 09:06 AM
blackmon.1 weeden.2.
idgaf about his age. some ya’ll gotz to remember an old fart named favre had 1 of his best years at f’n 40 so zzzzzzzzzzzziiiiiiiiiiiiip it.
throw in gannon at 38 too.
weeden is better than griffin.luck.tannehill etc.
imfo.
8 phreak’n years of star qb’ing.
wtf is wrong with that.?huh?
.
Posted by: 2 watt | March 21, 2012 at 09:06 AM
I wonder is we will see our illustrious Governor in Ross's box this year? They can have a Cynic party together!
Posted by: maoriii | March 21, 2012 at 09:08 AM
jefFIREland is bad for business fair or not he's gotta GO
jefFIREland is bad for business fair or not he's gotta GO
jefFIREland is bad for business fair or not he's gotta GO
jefFIREland is bad for business fair or not he's gotta GO
jefFIREland is bad for business fair or not he's gotta GO
jefFIREland is bad for business fair or not he's gotta GO
jefFIREland is bad for business fair or not he's gotta GO
jefFIREland is bad for business fair or not he's gotta GO
jefFIREland is bad for business fair or not he's gotta GO
jefFIREland is bad for business fair or not he's gotta GO
jefFIREland is bad for business fair or not he's gotta GO
jefFIREland is bad for business fair or not he's gotta GO
Posted by: perception is reality | March 21, 2012 at 09:10 AM
"thankfully we have no interest in tebow"
We'll see about that. USA Today has the Dolphins as one of the most likely landing spots for Tebow, which I think is GREAT! If this team wants to sell tickets and give the fans some hope bring in Mr. Excitement, aka, Tim Tebow.
Posted by: Bring in Tebow | March 21, 2012 at 09:12 AM
Moe, Larry, and Curley Joe would make a better FO than these idiots (no offenseto the Three Stooges)
Posted by: hande | March 21, 2012 at 09:13 AM
have to keep these protest up, do enough of them and closer to season and ireland will be forced to quit
Posted by: dusty bottoms | March 21, 2012 at 09:14 AM
I wonder if we will see our illustrious Governor in Ross's box this year? They can have a Cynic party together!
How much for the little boy Governor? How much is APPROPRIATE?
Posted by: maoriii | March 21, 2012 at 09:15 AM
nfl netwrok already said miami had no interest in him unless he was cut, no chance on giving up a pick for him. so we can relax now. and zero teams want tebow as a qb, the pack,pats,and jets want him the most. guy is the worst qb in the nfl, and its showing now with no teams carrying about this guy
Posted by: dusty bottoms | March 21, 2012 at 09:16 AM
Bring in Tebow
Just what do you make of ex NFL FullBack and current ESPN analyst Hoge's comments below:
(sorry for the repeat post)
Plenty of analysts have questioned Tebow’s arm, but Hoge questions Tebow’s mind. According to Hoge, Tebow is clueless when it comes to understanding how to run an NFL offense, and lacks the brainpower to read an NFL defense.
“The more I studied him in an NFL setting, the more disturbed I was that he has no clue what he’s looking at,” Hoge said of Tebow. “His IQ as a football player is not very good. That is why they have to come down and make it some of a college-form system that he’s comfortable with in Florida. He can’t execute, from a cerebral aspect, a pro-style system.”
Posted by: Horton Hoo | March 21, 2012 at 09:16 AM
Bring in Tebow.....
When will you learn....the media lies to you....
We have been the MOST LIKELY LANDING SPOT...for several big name FA and coaches....
Haven't landed a single one....The media knows we NEED someone...but it doesn't mean that the DOLPHINS want that someone....
Posted by: Kris | March 21, 2012 at 09:16 AM
I don't think we would want him even if he was cut dusty; don't think he is the right type of qb for wco since he isn't very accurate and his decison making is poor.
Posted by: kyphinfan | March 21, 2012 at 09:18 AM
build the defense in the draft this year. offense will suck either way. worry about qb next year when there is plenty in draft with actual potential.
Posted by: dusty bottoms | March 21, 2012 at 09:19 AM
The media lies, guesses, and puts out false information, depending on their sources and everyone's personal interests. Sometimes, they even get it right.
Posted by: Horton Hoo | March 21, 2012 at 09:19 AM
Armando is right
Posted by: dishpan | March 21, 2012 at 09:20 AM
i agree kyphin but we have the worst gm in history of the nfl so u never know. i truly believe if enough pressure is put on ireland by fans he will quit before season
Posted by: dusty bottoms | March 21, 2012 at 09:20 AM
Very good post Kris, the media will associate any big name qb with the dolphins even though they know we don't have the $ to sign one to a contract. If we want a potential qb we have to draft one in the 1st round.
Posted by: kyphinfan | March 21, 2012 at 09:20 AM
Horton, if you want to play the quote game I can give you tons of quotes from analysts about how great Tebow is. Obviously I disagree with Hoge to a large extent. Will you stop being a Phins fan if they bring in Tebow and they start winning? Will you admit that you were wrong about him or will you attribute the success to other things? Do you have something personally against him? Like I said, and I'm not even religious, but I've noticed a lot of irreligious people have an irrational dislike for the guy. He's nothing but a class act in my book.
Posted by: Bring in Tebow | March 21, 2012 at 09:20 AM
The more things I read the more angry I get!!
I think I'm gonna retire from the blogs for a bit and wait till the draft to get pissed off.
Posted by: JOE PHILBIN'S CLIPBOARD | March 21, 2012 at 09:20 AM
bobbyd12,
Where were you the last 1-2 years when most fans here were ripping Ireland & begging for him to be fired because of his incompetence?
Oh yea! That's right! You were telling us to not support the team & riding Irelands jock all the way to the season ticket booth. Telling us what a good job he's done & how he's earned his extension!
Go renew your season tickets & work on your tan you drunken lush! What a hypocritical gasbag!
Posted by: You're a HYPOCRIT | March 21, 2012 at 09:21 AM
lets hope the jets get him so they can suck even more
Posted by: dusty bottoms | March 21, 2012 at 09:21 AM
tebow is a class act, great human being. awful qb
Posted by: dusty bottoms | March 21, 2012 at 09:23 AM
Guys, we brought in the offensive coordinator of one of the best offenses in the league to improve our team. He runs a west coast offense. A west coast offense requires a QB that can throw. Tebow can't throw. In other words, Tebow will not be a Dolphin.
Posted by: tony sep | March 21, 2012 at 09:23 AM