No one knows what the truth is when sources are involved in a report until something actually happens to support one side or another. This morning, for example, I reported the Dolphins are releasing Phillip Merling, citing an unnamed source.
Well, the Dolphins have released Phillip Merling today.
But sometimes it's impossible to know the truth no matter what happens. Such is the case with the respectful back and forth I've apparently walked into with both Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com and respected NFL beat writer Peter King.
Last night, Florio reported Dolphins owner Steve Ross is "pushing" the Dolphins to pick Ryan Tannehill. The report, important if accurate because it would mean a real estate developer is pushing the buttons on Miami's football decisions, prompted me to reach out to several sources.
I got word back from one of them who vehemently denied the report. The source is very, very, very high up in the Dolphins organization.
Anyway, this morning King also reported the same thing Florio reported. I was thus outnumbered on the anonymous source front!
Except that this afternoon, Florio hosted a segment with Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland on his PFT Live broadcast . And Florio asked him about his report verus my report, including my "very, very, very" description of my source.
"I would tell you Steve is very engaged but he's also very supportive of leaving the decision in the draft up to me and coach Philbin, our scouts and football staff," Ireland said. "I said in my opening press conference last week that I don't feel at all any pressure to draft a need position or anything like that. And I would segue this comment in there: I don't feel pressure from the owner. And he's not pressuring me for that matter. I don't know where that's coming from.
"He's allows me to make the football decisions. He's always allowed me to make the football decisions along with my head coach and our staff. So he understands the process. He understands the thought process. he stands by our draft analysis and he knows the kind of preparation that goes into it and he's fully supportive."
Thus I now outflank Florio and King with an actual on-the-record response. Yeah, just having some fun here because this is the truth:
We don't know the truth.
It is possible Florio and King are totally wrong, as my source and Ireland are saying. On the other hand, it is possible my source is trying to use me (bad idea because that would make me very angry and the Dolphins shouldn't want me writing angry because I'm good at it) and thus I would be wrong.
How will we know?
Well, if the Dolphins do not draft Tannehill, Florio and King were wrong. The fact is Ross is the owner and if he truly is "pushing" Ireland to pick Tannehill, I can pretty much assure you that will get done because Ross signs the checks. So if Tannehill isn't the pick, there's no way he was pushing Ireland toward Tannehill in the first place.
And what if Tannehill is the pick? I guess some of you would say that vindicates Florio and King. I say it only means that's the pick and we all figured that was the way it might go the entire time, dating back a month or more since Peyton Manning went to Denver.
Bottom line? We may never know for sure on this one.
And here's something else you don't seem to understand. Calling you a rat isn't childish, it's just a fact. You ratted someone out and then bragged about it. Is that not what happened?
So back to the Dolphins...
Posted by: Phins78 | April 23, 2012 at 02:13 PM
I would like to use your playbook to get the Herald to notice all the trolls on here who are really fans of other teams trashing this blog. That's MUCH more damaging IMO to this blog than Ohio's link.
Posted by: DC Dolfan | April 23, 2012 at 02:04 PM
And your in a pising contest with Kris about sources or credibility?
Tell us, show us the proof of other teams fans coming here to trash the phins. As if the phins were relevant enough for other fans to wanna waste their time trash talking. That's probably your wettest nightmare, Dolphin relevancy.
You know, it IS possible to be a fan of the team & trash them, right? That's called part of being a fan. When it's good, everyone's happy. When it's bad, most aren't.
No one cares about the phins except the 25 dumb homers that blog here that can't see the truth if it was a fat lady sitting on their face & suffocating them to death. Is that you?
Posted by: Pretty Funny | April 23, 2012 at 02:13 PM
This is equalvalent to what Ohio Dolfan did, and some of you still defend ans respect him. SMH.
Imagine if you had a business lets say a lemoade business thats doing pretty well your charging a buck for a cup, your business is booming.
Then some guy comes around and decides to put his Lemonade business on the same street of yours. Except he charges 50 cents but also have seating as well as other drinks he can serve you.
Youll be pissed right, thats why I didnt want Ohio adverstising his blog here. AND I WON!
Posted by: FYI | April 23, 2012 at 02:13 PM
Mr. FYI,
I don't really want to fight with you on this. I get my info from all kinds of sources. I always have, even before I started a blog.
A current event is a current event my friend. Next time there is a major trade in the NFL, look on both NFL.com and ESPN.com, Who copied off of who? There were times I got a subject up first, and times Armando got a subject up first, that is the facts, not what your saying.
Should I talk about 4th string players to make sure I don't overlap what Armando is talking about? Or should I talk about the draft?
I know this is all just so much for you try to take in, so I'll stop here. Take it one paragraph at a time.
Oh and calling me a piece of sh*t doesn't count as an argument.
Posted by: Ohio Dolfan | April 23, 2012 at 02:13 PM
PHINS 78 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
I HAVE A REASON TO BELIEVE FYI IS YG /DB ..............
Posted by: ALoco | April 23, 2012 at 02:14 PM
kris
latin blood is overheated and irrational (dc) that is why all of latin america is a financial disaster and struggling to get out of the 3rd world.
Posted by: o'hara | April 23, 2012 at 02:14 PM
DC Dolphan,
There a malicious virus on this site everyone should stay away from. wink...wink... LOL
http://dolphintalk.wordpress.com/
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | April 23, 2012 at 02:16 PM
Example 1 for the Herald, the moron fan of another team at 2:06pm.
Posted by: DC Dolfan | April 23, 2012 at 02:08 PM
Show me where I claim to be a fan of another team? LMAO
You're too dumb to even mock.
I wasn't trashing the dolphins you dolt. I was trashing idiots like you for your dumb, idiotic ramblings. Just like your last post.
See the difference?
Posted by: Pretty Funny | April 23, 2012 at 02:16 PM
FYI, Ohio already told us he got the idea from PFT, same as Armando. And he posted his before Armando so I'm confused about your rationale. How could he copy Armando is he posted first? Why are you still talking about a blog that you don't want advertised in here? All good questions I think.
Posted by: Phins78 | April 23, 2012 at 02:17 PM
'if he posted first'
Posted by: Phins78 | April 23, 2012 at 02:17 PM
Folks, there is a lot going on today. Phillip Merling has been cut... Jeff Ireland talked about the Tannehill/Ross story ... The draft is Thursday ... Fletcher Cox ... Stephon Gilmore ...
Can you kindly get on the conversation on the football track and off the lame blog soap opera stuff? Seriously!
Posted by: Armando Salguero | April 23, 2012 at 02:19 PM
O'hara...
I woudn't insult DC or whatever culture he may represent...
Posted by: Kris | April 23, 2012 at 02:19 PM
ALoco,
You of all people should know me by now. I dont hide behind fake names to express any thoughts on any subjects. I take the heat for whatever I post. Im not a cowardly pos like some are her.
Think about it, if I had to make an educated guess, I would say FYI could most likely be Armando himself.
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | April 23, 2012 at 02:19 PM
Armando...thats the POT calling the KETTLE black....
why are there so many TROLLS on this site....
Posted by: Kris | April 23, 2012 at 02:21 PM
Not worried about this info coming out. Ireland will do fine with this draft. Let's get behind our team. "Team" meaning Owner, GM, Front Office, Coaches & Players! GO DOLPHINS!!!
Posted by: Dz NUTS | April 23, 2012 at 02:21 PM
YG JUST CAME ON AFTER 48 HOURS ABESANCE AFTER I SAID ......
FY1=YG
Posted by: ALoco | April 23, 2012 at 02:21 PM
ALoco,
You see, FYI is being attacked, then Armando appears in blue. The things that makes you go hmmmmmmm........? LOL
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | April 23, 2012 at 02:22 PM
I know most BOW in reverence when you come on this site Armando...but I got some real questions...
Posted by: Kris | April 23, 2012 at 02:22 PM
Kris, I don't know what you mean by the pot calling the kettle black. But I will tell you this, the conversation from here on out is about football.
Simple as that.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | April 23, 2012 at 02:23 PM
How about you tell me why so many GAY and LEWD post are aloud to be left up without being deleted...or @ least admonished....
Posted by: Kris | April 23, 2012 at 02:25 PM
Armando,
Glad you chimed in.
But to be fair, this is the exact kind of crap that goes on every day in these forums. Actually, today is better than most.
You see why there's so much fuss about who is here and what they want to post about?
I'm not advocating censorship in general, but there are a lot of intelligent passionate folks that want to talk football. And then there's those that wish to create chaos, or just pick fights.
Seems prudent to somehow bend the forums towards a fanbase rather than a free-for-all.
Fancase follows you.
Free-for-all'ers just want to destroy for fun. Including your fanbase/followers.
How to do it? No idea. But just my 2 cents.
Posted by: JS_in_LA | April 23, 2012 at 02:25 PM
Armando right, I want to talk football but one last thing. Phins78, you say your 41 well act like it! Ohio Dolfan is a big boy and can answer for himself so stop defending him, he has a daddy already and doesnt need a second one. Especally not a scrub like you.
Ohio Dolfan, I didnt call you a piece of s*it maybe your blog but not personally you. But as I sad before your a used car saleman that I can see through that the rest of these guys are blinded by you. YG can also see it, Anywho like Mando said lets talk football
Posted by: FYI | April 23, 2012 at 02:25 PM
Armando,
Isnt that censoring, coming here telling us what we can and cant talk about? Is it rue, "No Subject Is Taboo?"
Or is all of that just make believe? LOL
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | April 23, 2012 at 02:25 PM
ALL OF THE SUDDEN AFTER ARMANDO IS TIRED OF TROLLING UNDER THE NAME (( FY1 ))...HE SAYS ,LETS TALK FOOTBALL ONLY ,LIKE WE UNDER THE CASRO REGIME .
Posted by: ALoco | April 23, 2012 at 02:26 PM
Also, I do not post as others on here. The conspiracy theories about me being nj phinfan and cuban menace and flpd or fyi are ridiculous.
Now, please, back to football, friends.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | April 23, 2012 at 02:26 PM
Yet...Armando....
We have seen THREATS to OHIO's FAMILY....
Some dude ALWAYS talks about shhoting loads in people....
Gay revrends...
some lady whoo urintes in stores....
and you pick TODAY...to come in here to say talk footbal....seriously....
Posted by: Kris | April 23, 2012 at 02:27 PM
ARMANDO..............
WHY THERE'S NO SHORTAGE OF FILTH ?
FOOTBALL TALK .
Posted by: ALoco | April 23, 2012 at 02:28 PM
yesterday's gone, please read in context. The blog says:
Everything Dolphin: No subject is taboo, no deadline, no space crunch.
Everything Dolphins!!!! You want to talk football, Dolphins, no subject is taboo.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | April 23, 2012 at 02:28 PM
Armando is not me, I am myself. Now Armando why did Merling get cut? Whats the reason?
Posted by: FYI | April 23, 2012 at 02:29 PM
FYI,
Phins78, is simply a moron,nothing more or less. We all know this bro.
Posted by: Jake | April 23, 2012 at 02:30 PM
FYI,
I can speak for myself about my personal opinions of Ohio's blog. Ive done that, its past, and over in my book. I've moved on and so should you.
You dont keep digging up t5he dead! LOL
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | April 23, 2012 at 02:30 PM
Kris, others, I picked today.
I've noticed it has gotten out of hand and it stops ... TODAY. So yes, seriously.
Aloco, I think I just answered your question as well.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | April 23, 2012 at 02:31 PM
I'm glad your here Armando...I think your presence is warranted..and should be welcome...
However...my questions stand...and I would like some answers....
Posted by: Kris | April 23, 2012 at 02:31 PM
NOW ,FY1 CALLING FOR US TO TALK FOOTBALL .......
HE HAS THE SAME LINE OF THOUGHT AS ARMANDO THE GREAT......
Posted by: ALoco | April 23, 2012 at 02:31 PM
DC Tool, why would you or anyone else want to go to Ohio's blog? Ohio is a 27 year old child who writes like a child, has no credentials to talk about football whatsoever. Points for enthusiasm.
Ohio, don't tell me about your bachelor's degree. Mando is a professional sports reporter with 30 years of experience. You are a typo filled joke.
Posted by: Home | April 23, 2012 at 02:32 PM
Armando....
Why don't you either OUT the TROLL who attacks other posters without merit...
or...
Ban the Troll who does it....
Posted by: Kris | April 23, 2012 at 02:32 PM
ARMANDO...WHAT STOPS TODAY,,, DO YOU MEAN THE TROLLING,THE FAKING,OR THE FILTH ?
PLEASE ANSWER IN KIND .
Posted by: ALoco | April 23, 2012 at 02:33 PM
Irescum's a lieing weasel.
Posted by: MJ | April 23, 2012 at 02:33 PM
Armando, I appreciate your blog and I think censorship will be the downfall of it. This is America where were free to discuss whatever we want if someone is offended simply leave. Jeez you guys are so overly senitive.
Armando whats the reason Merling got cut? I ask this several times alreadu..
Posted by: FYI | April 23, 2012 at 02:33 PM
I'm truly sorry to everyone. I do not want to keep this going but when I see stupidity I have to call it out. ( see fyi that's copying:)
"Imagine if you had a business lets say a lemoade business thats doing pretty well your charging a buck for a cup, your business is booming."
"Then some guy comes around and decides to put his Lemonade business on the same street of yours."
How are you missing the point on this? I'm sorry FYI but I believe you have been here for a while. Am I right to assume that? Have you been here for at least three months? because if so you know the next thing that happened in your scenario is that one to two a**holes started attacking all of the regulars and trashing the Dolphins like they were fans of another team. Now it's all well and good to question moves but these attacks on us and our team were way over the line. Not something a real fan would ever engage in. THAT IS WHEN OHIO STARTED THE BLOG. We wrote Armando, we publicly asked for support and for it to stop but we were ignored. We had no choice but to choose another forum. Why do you keep ignoring this fact? Are you the one who was attacking everyone because that's how it looks.
There was a cause and effect thing that happened, you keep ignoring the cause and acting like Ohio came out of the blue. ANSWER TO THIS.
Posted by: Phins78 | April 23, 2012 at 02:33 PM
FYI, Merling was not present at the conditioning the last week. He is not in shape. That's a bad way to be for a guy with a reputation for not trying hard in practice and not producing in games.
If he had come in and gotten injured just running around -- which he did in 2010 when he blew out an Achilles jogging -- the Dolphins would have had to pay him.
Did I mention also that he has seven tackles in two years?
Posted by: Armando Salguero | April 23, 2012 at 02:33 PM
No, DC, we are not fans of another team. We just think you are a gasbag tool.
Posted by: Home | April 23, 2012 at 02:33 PM
Its pretty simple. You don't take a project with the number 1 pick regardless of what ignorant fans demand. If Tanney is there in second round, take a chance, but, no way do you trade up or take a guy at 8th that EVERYONE 2 months ago said wouldn't go higher than the 2nd round.
There are no question marks here. Tanney is NOT ready to start and will provide NO benefit this season. You can't find a single talent evaluator who thinks Tanney is close to contributing or ready for the NFL.
Posted by: GetAClue | April 23, 2012 at 02:34 PM
This is why mu respect for humanity is so low....
ALL OF YOU GUYS crying over the state of the blog...
Armando shows up...and you run and hide....
ASK QUESTIONS...VOICE YOUR FRUSTRATIONS....
If you don't....how will he ever know....
Posted by: Kris | April 23, 2012 at 02:35 PM
Everyone keeps referencing the "troll."
Give me an example of something this "troll" posted. I'll track him down.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | April 23, 2012 at 02:35 PM
Oh, yes, and for those fans who insist on taking a QB in the first no matter what. Drafting a 2nd round QB in the 1st doesn't make him a first round or franchise QB - it makes you stupid for overpaying. There are only 2 1st round QB's in this draft and both are already spoken for before Miami ever drafts.
Posted by: GetAClue | April 23, 2012 at 02:36 PM
KRIS.. I AM DOING MY BEST,BUT HE NEVER ANSWER B/C HE HAS NO ANSWERS .
Posted by: ALoco | April 23, 2012 at 02:36 PM
Armando, thanks man.. Can Ohio Dolfan give you that inside info? I dont think so!
Merling is a disgrace.. I'm wondering who this failed draft pick falls under Ireland or are we still using Parcells as the scapegoat?
Posted by: FYI | April 23, 2012 at 02:36 PM
Armando,
You have sissies here who don't like being called out for being arrogant, egotistical & downright dumb.
Then they get all bit*chy, whiny & moany & start calling everyone who disagrees with them a troll.
Wanna fix this blog? Get some intelluctuals with thick skin who can take their opinion getting thrown back in their face without the name calling.
The trolls get the blame but, think about this. The trolls come out when your so called regulars get their panties twisted over someone challening them.
Like God forbid someone could do that!
Posted by: The 411 on this blog | April 23, 2012 at 02:37 PM
Armando, not sure what these other losers (O'hara/Pretty Funny) are doing here, but Kris and I are having a debate about journalism and sourcing (which is relevant to football). So I apologize, but I will conclude with this statement for Kris:
First off, I didn't see your link Kris. So I'll thank YG for that!
Second, this WHOLE EPISODE started from a post I wrote describing a story that said the Dolphins were interested in Tannehill BEFORE Sherman came on-board. And my point wasn't to say Miami would definitely take Tannehill because I believed the story was the word of God. My point was that was an interesting take on the thinking inside the organization. I also alluded to the POSSIBILITY the story might not be true by saying, "IF YOU BELIEVE THE STORY..."
So you're not telling anyone what they don't already know here. You may think you are, but you're not. Everyone who's watched football for more than 1 Season knows people push stories for their own purposes. That's why cross-checking a story is important.
But, more importantly is to understand a POST BEFORE criticizing a poster. The story I brought up was a DISCUSSION starter. It was about the thinking inside the organization and what that says about Tannehill. And the story being another angle to assess. NOT to automatically believe it as stated. But to use it with all the other knowledge we've obtained and see if it fits, doesn't fit, if it's useful, not useful.
And, you're only response to that was some smartalick critique of someone believing anything a reporter says. You propped up this phony straw man that you could shoot down to make yourself feel better.
But, now I know that you don't believe any reports from anyone from this time of year (oh sorry, 5% I believe is what you accept). I now know how to understand your responses to me until after the Draft I guess.
Posted by: DC Dolfan | April 23, 2012 at 02:37 PM
IT'S YOUR BLOG ARMANDO AND YOU DON'T KNOW OR SEEN THE FILTH TO TRACK THE TROLLS DOWN ........... AMAZING..........................
Posted by: ALoco | April 23, 2012 at 02:38 PM
Armando is right, I'm done talking about this. But I'm curious why "Armando Salguero" has never come in to tell us what to talk about,,,,,,EVER,,,,before people started arguing with FYI. FYI if you're impersonating the blogs writer that would be a bad move on your part.
He doesn't want us talking about blogs but he's okay with the swallowing lo*ds stuff? Come on already FYI we are onto you. You wanted us back, here we are! ;)
Posted by: Phins78 | April 23, 2012 at 02:39 PM
Armando,
Lets talk football then buddy. Why dont you write a real blog on how the Dolphins should get back to the grass roots of what gained them 3 straight sb appearances and 2 straight titles.
Thier very dominant oline.
All of this qb, pass rusher, and wr talk when we currently only have half a oline is completely benign. I was a very passionate and carefully paying attention fan in that era and remember exactly what the grass roots of those championship teams ready set go was. That hugely successful oline.
Having a great oline doesnt mean youre committing to run, run, run. It means youre able to dictate your will to the defense. Its saying we can do whatever we want to do you and you cant stop us. It also changes the way your defense has to play thier offense.
Not only does a great oline dictates to the opposing defense. It also dictates to opposing offense how they'll have to play against your offense.
Now go tell all of your experts and inside sources that. Its the grass roots blueprint of the sb champions dolphins. Finish the oline, draft David DeCastro now!
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone | April 23, 2012 at 02:39 PM
Actually 411 pretty much right Armando...
Posted by: FYI | April 23, 2012 at 02:39 PM
Aloco, you talk a lot of crap and don't seem to have any evidence to back it up. THAT is amazing.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | April 23, 2012 at 02:39 PM
DC...it got DELETED....
It was there....YG's is deleted now...as well...
Posted by: Kris | April 23, 2012 at 02:43 PM
YG, I thought when Parcells spent 160 million dollars on these Sumo Wreslers you call O linemans that would make us SuperBowl Contenders yet all it did was set us back even more so your logic is flawed..
Posted by: FYI | April 23, 2012 at 02:43 PM
Yesterday, the Dolphins have used more draft picks and free agency money on the offensive line than any other unit the past four years.
It is not about them getting back to fundamentals. It is about them actually landing the right guys instead of the jack Groves, Justin Smileys and others of the world.
Philbin has said the OL is a priority for him. Let's hope he knows what a good Olineman looks like and passes that along.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | April 23, 2012 at 02:44 PM
Armando...
reaseach anything written by...
the SMF
pricemaster....
thats should give you a start.....
Posted by: Kris | April 23, 2012 at 02:44 PM
For an amateur like Ohio to try to compare his blog with Mando's in terms of who posted topics first and things like that is laughable. Mando is a professional sports writer employed for decades by a major newspaper. Ohio has no sports writer credentials.
I'm a normal dude. It would be like if I decided to be a MMA fighter and compared myself to whoever the middle weight champion is. No contest. Not even in the same league.
Nothing personal against Ohio, who I don't know, but I thought it was a joke when he came on here linking to his blog.
Posted by: Tim Couch | April 23, 2012 at 02:45 PM