GM Jeff Ireland has 'regret' over unpleasant exchange

Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland and one Dolphins fan had an uncomfortable exchange at halftime of Sunday's game between the Dolphins and Raiders and the organization is trying to figure out what to do about the issue even as fans are calling a local radio station to report the matter.

According to multiple eyewitnesses who called local station The Ticket and a highly placed club source who confirmed the exchange to The Herald, the Dolphins general manager was walking through the Sun Life Stadium concourse at halftime when the incident occurred.

After visiting his wife and family in his suite, Ireland exchanged pleasantries with a couple of fans, signed autographs and took pictures with at least two other fans as he headed back to his seat where he watches the game. Before he got there another fan called him over and Ireland, believing he was about to exchange more pleasantries, found himself listening to the fan complaining about his work.

That fan complained to Ireland about what he said was his poor management of the team. And at one point that fan said to Ireland, "We need you to fire yourself."

According to everyone I've talked to including team officials, Ireland responded by using the term "a--hole" either directed at the fan or loud enough for the fan to hear as he walked away.

The Dolphins contend there was no argument between Ireland and the fan. The fan, going by the name Sean, called The Ticket and confirmed there wasn't an argument. But the fan did say,  "The sum and substance of what I suggested is that he should fire himself."

Sean told The Ticket's Eric Reid Show that Ireland patted him on the shoulder, said, "Good one," called him the epithet, and walked away.

"I don't begrude the guy for not appreciating what I had to say," Sean told the station. "I can't tell you I wouldn't respond any differently if someone said I should fire myself. By the same token, I'm not the general manager of a professional football team.

"I feel like I expressed an opinion he probably needed to hear."

A Dolphins source has a different version of the events. The team's version is that Ireland simply walked away and that as he was walking away he said "kind of out loud" the word "a--hole."

The Dolphins are expected to meet in the coming hours to decide what course of action or response the uncovering of this incident will get, the source said.

Update: Jeff Ireland just called me. The Dolphins did indeed discuss the matter internally. He told me he regrets the incident.

"It did happen at halftime and I was going back to my booth after seeing my wife and I did talk to several fans that were very nice. But as I'm walking back this guy introduces himself to me and says I should fire myself," Ireland said.

"It caught me off guard. I just turned and walked away but I did say the word. I regret I used the word I used. I thought I was using it under my breath. I guess I kind of said it loud enough that he could hear it. I literally said it under my breath. At the time I felt I handled the situation pretty good. Probably muttered it a little too loud. I regret that I said anything."

The Dolphins are planning to use Ireland's quote to me as their official statement on the matter.

Comments

[Dork in Toronto]

What's the big deal,? I am called an a$shole every single day of my life by someone new.

[Sam]

If Tannehill becomes a stud and the team starts winning I could care less what he calls "Sean" in the luxury suite area. I mean really anyone would do the same thing no matter what their position in a company, that is human nature (yes I am conceding that Ireland is human here). Bottom line is that if we start winning we love him and if he loses we hate him, that is the nature of the beast. Wait until Belicheat loses Brady and starts a run of 6 win seasons with Mallet as his QB, they will be calling for his head in NE.

[Phins78]

"He is held to a higher standard".

F*&^ing hilarious. Sure he is, he should be held to a higher standard than the rest of us because he scouts and signs football players! So dumb.

Everyone should be held to the same standards!

[BoulderPhinFan]

I think it is an a hole thing to do during a home game. send an email if you have a complaint.

[oscar canosa]

People here are in the middle of a very good Football discussion and this is what you come up with, Armando? Next time, we'll stay on the last entry and let you read by yourself your new entry.

[Angelo]

Why does Ireland have to restrain himself from calling a spade a spade? What the fan said was rude, he neither needs to be punished or reprimanded. You should be allowed to defend yourself in such situations.

You merely have to deal with the negative perception going forward. But if Emperor Goodell or the Dolphins punish him, it would be a disgrace to the league.

This country has become too politically correct. Some people deserve a butt whopping.

[AndyNJ]

Right on Angelo

[Mark]

Where's the story? I'll admit some "fans" just hate on everyone and everything. Who can blame him for taking it personal when the guy says he should fire himself? Maybe the guy was being what he said? Sometimes the truth hurts..Lots of the same haters all around us. Next...

[.]

The truth is the truth. MiamiD20, his mom actually is/was a crackhead prosty. Seems his question was a valid one. Maybe not politically correct but if you think family doesn't make a difference in a young man with responsibility issues than your just being ignorant.

[2 watt]

it was a 10 yo girl who called ire an axxhole.lol

[Phins78]

Miami D20 I am sick of talking about it but don't want to leave you hanging.

I agree that the question was a non issue. It was made an issue by the same guy who just punched his mother in the jaw at a family dinner.

What a great guy. How dare anyone ask him that sort of question. So what if he just told Ireland that his dad was a pimp and his mother worked for his dad. I guess Jeff should have just figured she was his financial adviser.

The kid has special rules put on him because he's such a f%$k up. I mean the constant whining over this issue by ignorant fans who want to hate the guy is tiring. Let it go, call it a draw at least.

[.]

I applaud Ireland's gumption

[.]

can you imagine if Ozzy Guillen was told to fire himself? OMG his reaction would have been priceless

[Kappowski]

That fan had no class, just like some of the clowns we have here. Ross didnt spend a billion dollars on this team so some stupid fan can dictate policy. Mr Ross has made great strides being an NFL owner since he bought this team. He will do what he thinks is right with Ireland and he doesnt need our help.

[Phins78]

I'm noticing a pattern.

The posters who are okay with Jeff saying this type out valid points to defend the action.

The posters against it type one sentence, containing atrocious grammar, a bunch of exclamations, and no rationale to back up their opinion.

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm can't imagine why there is such a difference. Hilarious.

[Stu]

Ross is having a press conf. with WQAM 560 about the exchange between Ireland and the fan at 2:30.
Hmmm?
maybe he is going to get the AXE.

[We Have RB's]

"We have RBs, couldn't care about this in the least. The guy who asked that question is probably going around feeling like a champ. He's probably on cloud 9. Congrats to him for being drunk enough to have the balls to ask that question but he just ruined any chance of the fans being able to interact with Ireland again. The football culture is full of cursing, manhood, and fighting....so why does it matter that he said this to a fan that deserved the reaction? It's not acceptable if he prances around and does that but in this situation I could care less"

MiamiD20,

Agreed. I can understand the frustration of this fan. Hell I'm frustrated with where this team is at BUT this fan was out of line. I don't believe purchasing a ticket gives you the right to say something offensive to the GM's face.

Whatever...I'm going to let this season play out. Rookie QB, new coaching staff which I like, & a lot of young players...Let's see where we are at the end of the season. If we're not headed in the right direction than I'm pretty sure that Ross won't hesitate to make a move. As wealthy as Ross is I'm positive he still doesn't like to lose on a $1.5 billion dollar investment....

[MiamiD20]

Phin78 and .

I'm in agreeance that Bryant deserved to have that question asked to him. He (Bryant) blew it out of proportion, not Ireland. I also agree that I'm tired of talking about that question but a few people are bringing it up and ripping Ireland for it and saying this is a similar situation....it's not. People are just looking for reasons to hate

[Ireland's Republican Army]

Can we all agree that because the Dolphins won on Sunday that Jeff Ireland should be immune from criticism for the next several weeks?

[quanhova42]

Screw this.... Shouldnt we be blogging about how we are changing gears to get ready to those lame ass Jets???? JI...next time that happens ask the guy what the five fingers said to the face..... Then slap that mf like the Jets fan he sounds like!!!!

Oh yea..... Letssss Gooooo Phins BIM boysssss!!!!!!

[Bruce]

Insiders are tweeting that Ross is livid at what happened at the stadium during the 40 anniversry of the perfect season.. "That is noway for an executive act no matter what."

[oscar canosa]

There is a high probability that they both are As-holes.

[2 watt]

lol

[We Have RB's]

"Armando is an idiot for putting this story out.
We finally get a win. Some positivity that this team desperately needed and Armando takes us back to the negative limelight.

This isn't even news. Ireland called an a-hole an a-hole. Grow up Armando."

Mark,

Clearly Mando LOVES to stir the pot & then backtrack when people get pissed off. He likes to play both sides. He'll trash Ireland in one blog & then when fans bash Ireland he'll all of sudden defend him. This is his modus operandi. I've seen it before & it's gotten predictable & sad.

Why can't he just cover the team like Adam does instead of constantly inserting himself into the story. I've seen Omar do this time after time which is what turned me off to their site. Who cares that Ireland called him??? Is he trying to impress us??? Not impressed.

[oscar canosa]

There is also a high probability that the conductor of this Blog is also an As-hole.

[MiamiD20]

IF Ireland gets fired at this 230 press conference then it'll be Ross taking the easy way out. I don't like what he's done, he may deserve to get fired (for reasons other than this) and I may rejoice if it happens, but it'll look bad on Ross if he fires him today

[Phins78]

Mark I'm not a big Armando apologist but others are reporting it as well. He's just doing his job.

[Jeremy Shockey]

If you don't like this story, get your butt to one of the five milliion other posts on this blog or go to another blog altogether and stop whining like a little girl.

[We Have RB's]

MiamiD20,

These interviews with draftees are an attempt for teams to find out what kind of person they are about to risk their jobs on. I really don't understand the people who are offended by the question to Bryant.

In the end I'm just happy we didn't draft the kid. He's a mess & I'm POSITIVE people would be KILLING Ireland right now if he did take Bryant.

[.]

I'm one of the few Ireland supporters. Call me an optimist but I like the talent on this team. I'm more worried about how we are going to keep all our free agents next year.

[oscar canosa]

This is a good opportunity to get rid of the Jets Fans scum(which will surely over-populate our Stadium next Sunday). You, as-hole Jets fan, you are disturbing our peace, get outta here!

[Paper bag fan]

Yes, weak story but whatever gets Ireland closer to being fired is fine with me. Any type of negative press is good press in this instance. Ireland should absolutely resign but I don't blame the guy for staying. Keeping a cushy job while your boss could care less what you do is the American dream.

[Phins78]

Irelands Republican Army'

Usually LOVE your posts. The last one wasn't that funny, don't save that one in the archives. :)

[Jeremy Shockey]

Oh and We have Running Butts, who made you the local media critic? The refs last night had ZERO to do with the Dolphins.

This is a Dolphins blog. Get over yourself tool.

[.]

Think Long, Starks, Smith, then Reggie should be signed immediately. If we can't afford reggie Ireland has atleast set us up with a fail safe with Thomas and Miller. Miller avg 6.5 yrds/ carry not too shabby for a rookies first start. Thomas when healthy has shown skill too so stop with bust talks. It's obvious he can play and will keep improving. Raw talent and he's young.

[We Have RB's]

If you don't like this story, get your butt to one of the five milliion other posts on this blog or go to another blog altogether and stop whining like a little girl.

Hey Shockey,

LMFAO!!! Change your name b/c no one is a bigger baby than you which is why you are out of the league. Everyone knows you ratted out your own teammates in New Orleans.

[MiamiD20]

We have RBs @ 2:21

EXACTLY my thought process, especially that first paragraph

[We Have RB's]

"I'm one of the few Ireland supporters. Call me an optimist but I like the talent on this team. I'm more worried about how we are going to keep all our free agents next year."

We're not going to so don't worry.

[Frank Caliendo]

Excellent work Armando. Everyone else, including profootballtalk is following you on this.

[AndyNJ]

Who cares, what was said. All I care about is Sunday results!

The Ireland bashers including myself should understand that the so called incompetance was out of the shadows of Parcells and fully in charge of the following moves that got Miami the win Sunday.

1. Reggie Bush - He traded for Bush while many laughed it off as a feable attempt.

2. Lamar Miller - ran like he was playing at "The U"

3. Tannehill - got better in week 2 and I think he is going to be a top 10 QB in the next 3 seasons.

4. Mike Pouncey - guys wanted Ingram and Mallet including myself are looking dumber by the Sunday. Pouncey gets better and better.

5. Jonathan Martin - again some read the media reports and into the Hard Knocks episodes that he needs to get stronger, etc and he probably does but he held his own time and time again on Lamar Houston on Sunday and pushed the piles as they all did.

6. Paul Soliai - resigned Soliai for 3 years when many felt he would be too expensive to retain and dude is eating blockers on the field like we eat breakfast.

7. Brian Hartline - a real contribution from the best WR on the team. I can't believe Im saying this but he could of easily been cut and probably should have but desperation and a little rationale helped with a huge game 9-111 yards.

[We Have RB's]

"Think Long, Starks, Smith, then Reggie should be signed immediately. If we can't afford reggie Ireland has atleast set us up with a fail safe with Thomas and Miller. Miller avg 6.5 yrds/ carry not too shabby for a rookies first start. Thomas when healthy has shown skill too so stop with bust talks. It's obvious he can play and will keep improving. Raw talent and he's young."

I'm sorry but why should Smith should be re-signed????

[oscar canosa]

I guess Football GM's and the Reporters are all connected by their As-holes.

[shula71]

I think I would ask Ireland why has he not been able to convince any of the free agents out their who play CB and WR to come to Miami.

Personally I think we would be in a good spot if we could find someone to open up the rest of the receivers. We are going to see a much tighter coverage this week. Tanhill is not going to have as much time as last week.

Our secondary is still wide open, Oakland just did not take advantage of it.

Does anyone else feel this new offense resembles much of the old offense we used the last couple of years. Seems we are going to have to pound the ball just like before and Tanhill is dink and dunking it with the prowess of Henne. Dont think he has attempted a long one yet has he? Not really a problem our running backs seem pretty good, but high octane air it out offense we do not have. And that is because we have no deep threat receiver.

We really need to address this for the growth of Tanhill this year.

Go Dolphins! and Beat the Darn Sucky Jets, Jets, Jets.

[Phins78]

Insiders are tweeting that Ross is livid at what happened at the stadium during the 40 anniversry of the perfect season.. "That is noway for an executive act no matter what."

Posted by: Bruce

LOL, The funny thing is if this is true, I now have more faith in Ireland and less in Ross.

THIS is the thing that will make Ross mad at Ireland? Not all of the other stupid crap he's done or not done to be more precise?

Calling someone an ahole who deserved it is what is firing him up? Maybe this guy is clueless. 90% of the fans agree with this action Jeff took. So Ross hates it.

When 90% of the fans wanted him fired Ross stood behind him. I truly hope those tweets or that post was false. For the sake of all that is logical! :)

[.]

I'd pick up Shockey. He can't be any worse than Mastrud or Egnew. They'll never make a play this season that matters.

[mike]

Mario, this doesn't come close to anything any of those 3 did. He didn't hit anyone, he didn't try to intimidate QB's, or start a fight where someone got killed, or show up to practice drunk. Don't be a idiot.

[.]

anyone else bothered by Winslow going to Pats? I thought he'd be a guy they'd go after immediately after week 1.

[dr. roberts]

Neither the fan OR Ireland did anything the least bit wrong or offensive.

The fan has every right to express his opinion (and I'm glad he did) just as Ireleand has every right to respond to being insulted---as any man would (and I'm also glade HE did).

What's the big deal either way? Seriously.

[.]

Smith reminds me of a young Namhdi... He's a baller that is going to keep improving with his work ethic. Smith IMO should be a top priority.

[oscar canosa]

Fuc- you!, might have been best.

[We Have RB's]

AndyNJ,

You are right. He's done some good things the last two seasons--including trading Marshall & Vontae--which is why I have started to rethink my opinion on Ireland going forward. Again though--at the end of the day--it's up to the man who writes the checks not the fans.

[MiamiD20]

At first I wanted Winslow here, but the more I think about it the less I want Winslow here. Self-centered, injury-prone diva -- I'd rather see what we have in our young talent than add Winslow for one year. Especially cause this year is about progression, why hurt that with a useless 1 year signing?

[oscar canosa]

Nahh, Jeremy Shockey has his brain all tangled up from so much stuff.(I hope he don't find me).

[me]

Guess What!? Ireland needs to fire himself and the guy Sean is an A hole.
Both are right LOL

[mike]

And they're going to have a ton of cap space next year.

[Hugh Beaumont]

We Have RB's--

It was wonderful going to Starbuck's with you and then later shaving each other's private areas.

[Phins78]

What press conference? Can someone link me to it or was that just a lie?

[Phins78]

me, that was actually a great point. lol

[Tim Couch]

Fins 17
Jets 16

[We Have RB's]

We Have RB's--

It was wonderful going to Starbuck's with you and then later shaving each other's private areas.

Hugh,

I hate Starbucks. Their coffee tastes like gasoline so it must have been someone else. LOL!!!