Dolphins dis 'Canes by honoring Gators during game

Tim Tebow as a UF player

((ht: sun-sentinel.com))

Well, we guess it is a matter of perspective, but it is kind of odd.

The Miami Dolphins announced they will be honoring Tim Tebow and the 2009 University of Florida national championship team during halftime of the Dolphins vs. Broncos game on October 23rd.

Okay. That's swell. They are after all in the state of Florida.

But...that's not the rub. The rub is, they'll be doing it at SunLight/Landshark/Joe Robbie or whatever they call it stadium that both the Dolphins...and...wait for it, the Miami Hurricanes play in.

Read more from Dave Hyde of the Ft.Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel RIGHT HERE

Okay, yeah, we'll just say it. Sure, Miami fans shouldn't be that petty. Surely there are some Gator fans in South Florida and certainly some from North Florida will make the trip down (a) to see their beloved Tebow and (b) because they are Dolphin fans.

But, yeah, if I'm a Hurricanes fan, I'd probably be a little pissed off. And while Tebow, along with Mike Pouncey of the Dolphins are the only 2 Gators playing in the game (though supposedly--Urban Meyer will be there too), they are going to get a lot of boos.

Lots of them.

But we wish the Dolphins luck, and while they are and will always be our favorite team, we don't pretend to understand many of the things they've done of late. And no, they haven't been successful.

Who knows, maybe we'll be wrong and this will payoff with a sell-out, but we kind of doubt it.

Your 2008-09 Championship highlights:

Miami Dolphins to fans: Please stop posting practice video

Miami Dolphins

((ht: sun-sentinel.com))

We are posting this because it is interesting a poses some interesting questions.

The Miami Dolphins are facing off with the video camera phone and so far the phone is winning. Apparently over the past week or so, someone has been posting practice video on YouTube and the team is a bit less than thrilled about it.

The Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel spoke with Dolphins PR guru Harvey Greene who essentially is pleading with fans not to do this saying the team has rules on this. "Those rules exist so that we're not placed at a competitive disadvantage by having the teams we play see video of any portion of our practice."

Read the entire Sun-Sentinel story RIGHT HERE

This is the greatest fear of any NFL team. They are incredibly paranoid about any kind of video that shows practice plays being discovered by another team. Not that the plays won't eventually be seen, they will. Scouts will see them beginning with the 1st exhibition game.

But it poses an interesting dilemma. TV people are not allowed to shoot practice as a general rule. The video you see on the nightly news or SportsCenter is generally drills or position work. Not full-fledged plays. And there are exceptions.

But fans with camera phones are a different beast. On one hand the teams want fans there, but how do you regulate the phones? And you certainly can't stop them from posting it.

All-in-all, it's an interesting dilemma and one that TV folks have been pondering for awhile. NFL teams eventually are going to have to keep people from bringing there phones to open practices, but the bigger question is, "How do you stop them?".

Here's some of the video in question: (because we can)

Brandon Marshall's Wife Didn't Stab Him...

((HT: Sun-Sentinel Newspaper))

At least that's what he says right now, anyway...

Remember, back on April 22 his wife, Michi Nogami-Marshall, was arrested and charged with aggravated battery for allegedly stabbing him in the abdomen. She returned to jail six weeks later for violating a protection order when local authorities found out she was living in their south Florida home.

But Marshall says April didn't happen...

Omar Kelly caught up with him in the Boston suburbs where he's been working out these last few months...
 

Here's the file on the arrest from April, thanks to our friends at the Sun-Sentinel...

Jim Mandich loses battle with cancer

Jim Mandich/Courtesy: page2live.com

((ht: miami herald))

Former Miami Dolphins tight end Jim Mandich lost his battle with cancer of the bile duct Tuesday night. He was 62 years old.

For those unfamiliar with Mandich, he played for the Dolphins in the early 70's when they were a dominant team in the NFL. After his retirement from the league, he ended up a broadcaster. He was the voice of the Dolphins from 1992-2004 and 2008-09.

For those who grew up with Miami Dolphin football (that includes me--grew up in South and Central Florida), he was about as classy a representative for the team as you'll get. His voice was incredibly distinctive and he truly loved talking about the Fins. Never mind the fact he was a pretty darn good football player who is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.

Jim Mandich, you'll be missed. Much peace to you and your family.

Here's Mandich talking about the 2010 edition of the Dolphins:



Some of Mandich's best calls (Thanks WQAM Radio/Sun Sentinel.com)

 

911 Call Released In Marshall Stabbing

((HT: NBCMiami.com))

The wife of Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Marshall made a brief 911 call to Miami authorities during the time she was allegedly being abused Friday afternoon.

Brandon Marshall was stabbed by Michi Nogami-Marshall with a kitchen knife- a move the wife told investigators was in self-defense.

Nogami-Marshall was arrested for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and later released on $7,500 bail. Brandon Marshall is expected to recover fully...

Here's the call...

View more videos at: http://nbcmiami.com.

BREAKING: Brandon Marshall stabbed, in intensive care-Updated

Brandon Marshall/Courtesy: helmet2helmet.net

((ht: adam schefter))

***UPDATE BELOW***

We don't have a lot of details at the moment, but reports are now circulating that Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Marshall is in a Fort Lauderdale hospital in intensive care after being stabbed by a woman who may or may not be his girlfriend.

According to Twitter, now several reporters are confirming this story. Also a tweet from Chadochocinco that says "All of you keep my dude bmarshall19 in your prayers as he recovers in intensive care this morning".

We'll monitor this story today and update it when we can.

Just after 9am- Jay Glazer from Fox Sports reports that Dolphins officials tell him, Marshall is not in "Imminent Danger at this point". 

Albert Breer of the NFL Network reports that he spoke to Marshall's agent, Kennard McGuire and was told, "This is a very difficult time for Brandon and his family, thankfully he's going to make a full recovery, we just ask that his privacy be respected."

Pro Football Talk has a story about Marshall's wife apparently being arrested for stabbing him.

The story RIGHT HERE

1330 UPDATE: Marshall's wife admitted to police at the hospital that she stabbed Brandon in "self-defense." According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Marshall originally said that he slipped and fell on a vase, according to the police report, but officers didn't find any blood in the area surrounding the vase in question. It is not known if authorities are considering charging Marshall with lying to the police.

"Both the victim and the defended provided scant information regarding the incident itself," wrote Detective J. Lawrence in the same report.

The Marshalls went through something like this once before in Atlanta back in 2009. Brandon Marshall was arrested after allegedly being involved in a fight with his then-fiancee. Neither wanted to testify against the other, and the initial charges of disturbing the peace were dropped.

Here's the police report, thanks to the Sun-Sentinel...

Here's a recent interview the paper did with Marshall discussing how things in his life are different right now because of the lockout...
 

And a story ESPN did on Marshall's past and his alleged history of domestic violence... John Barr is in Atlanta...
((HT: ESPN/Outside The Lines))

Jim Harbaugh Has The World On A String

Who isn't envious of Jim Harbaugh. You have NFL teams throwing millions of dollars at you to coach their team. Your alma mater wants to move heaven and earth to bring you back and your current employer might sweeten the pot too.

The University of Michigan just canned a head coach that was doomed before the inked dried on the contract. Harbaurgh is the chosen "Michigan Man" to repair the train wreck yet he doesn't seem to want to accept the role.

Three NFL teams are ready to offer Harbaugh with checks with a lot of zeros on them and willing to do whatever to sweeten the offer.

Damn sucks to be Harbaugh.

Wednesday Harbaugh interviewed for six hours with newly appointed San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke and team owner Jed York about their head coaching vacancy.

Executives for the Miami Dolphins are having "exploratory talks" with Harbaugh but their is no head coach opening with the Dolphins.

Sources have told the Sun Sentinel that the Dolphins have put a decision on the coaching staff in a holding pattern.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-dolphins-contact-jim-harbaugh-010520110104,0,7758119.story

In others word if Harbaugh is interested in moving to South Florida Tony Sparano is a goner.

Maybe Sparano sees the writing on the wall. (Thanks Sun Sentinel.com)



Is John Elway infatuated with Jim Harbaugh? Elway is the decision maker now with the Denver Broncos and a Stanford alum. Bringing Harbaugh in might revive Broncomania in the Rockies.

All Harbaugh has to do is listen pitches and count the money.

Photo Courtesy: AP

Cowher or Harbaugh to Miami...Are you sure?

Bill Cowher-the coach

No. Heck, the carousel has thus far spawned more rumors and half-truths then actual changes. We aren't really sure who to believe because it seems everyone is either rushing to be the first to report something...or has an agenda.

That being said, we will report on a story in the Miami Herald this morning in part because they are usually a legit outlet and because they cover our favorite team--The Miami Dolphins.

The Herald quotes what they term "Multiple NFL Sources" that the Dolphins have reached out to hot candidate Jim Harbaugh and CBS NFL Analyst Bill Cowher. We reported on the Harbaugh contact yesterday, Cowher has already gone on record saying he'd be interested in Miami.

Read the report from this mornings Miami Herald RIGHT HERE

While we tend to believe this report is pretty accurate, we aren't real confident that Harbaugh would be seriously interested. It also doesn't speak too well to the job security of one Tony Sparano, who's not been a failure as a head coach, but hasn't been a huge success either.

As for Cowher. That is a more interesting thought. Supposedly the interest is mutual, however, Cowher wants complete control over most everything, the Dolphins, for their part aren't sure they want to give it to him.

Stay tuned sports fans, the Carousel keeps a spinnin'....

In the meantime, enjoy this behind the scenes look at Bill Cowher, TV Analyst as done by Larry Richert of KDKA-TV:

BREAKING: Sal Alosi suspended for the season

And he should have been fired. There is...and was no excuse for what the Jets strength coach did to Miami Dolphins player Nolan Carroll in Sunday's game. None.

By now you've seen the video of Alosi sticking out his leg and tripping Carroll as he was pushed out of bounds on punt coverage. He should be fired for it. Instead, the Jets have fined him and suspended him for the rest of the regular season.

The ever informative Jay Glazer of Foxsports.com has more RIGHT HERE 

Sure, we get that Alosi has apologized, it's the least he could do. There is also some discussion that the NFL is now looking into the line of Assistant coaches on the sideline. According to a report on Monday Night Countdown, there is concern that teams are purposely lining coaches up there to distract or deter gunners on punt coverage.

Either way, there is nothing that can justify what he did. As the Dolphins Channing Crowder said, it is the ultimate "low class" move. Sorry, my Dolphin allegiances aside, there is no cause for anyone, Assistant coach, strength coach...anyone on the sideline should be automatically tossed from the game on the spot...and fired.

Here is video from the Sal Aliosi "Press Conference" this afternoon:

<a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/video?vid=dcb2da72-3262-4616-9bcf-4143693517aa" target="_new" title="">Alosi aplogizes for trip</a>

Did Jets Coach Trip Dolphins Player...???

((HT: NFL on CBS/Youtube))

What would you do to win...???

Apparently, anything if you're a New York Jets coach and your team isn't scoring against the Dolphins...

During the Jets 10-6 loss on Sunday, Jets' strength and conditioning coach Sal Alosi intentionally tripped Miami cornerback Nolan Carroll as he ran out of bounds on punt coverage.

The rookie fell to the turf while running down the sideline, and Alosi later admitted he interfered with Carroll- sticking his knee out in almost knee-to-knee contact.

"I made a mistake that showed a total lapse in judgment," Alosi said in a statement. "My conduct was inexcusable and unsportsmanlike and does not reflect what this organization stands for. I spoke to Coach [Tony] Sparano and Nolan Carroll to apologize before they took off. I have also apologized to Woody [Johnson], Mike [Tannenbaum] and Rex [Ryan]. I accept responsibility for my actions as well as any punishment that follows."

Here's the totally uncool play...


Channing Crowder's response was, indeed, awesome...
"They're cheaters. They do what they do. They cheat. They talk junk. But we beat the hell out of them today.

"I wish they'd tripped me. I'd have broken that old man's leg. I didn't see anything. He stuck his leg out and tripped him? He should be ashamed of himself. A grown man from the coaching staff? That's high character."

Dan Carpenter Joins 60-Yard Club

((HT: NFL on CBS/Youtube))

Miami Dolphins kicker Dan Carpenter ties the game against the Cleveland Browns wit this kick in the second quarter...


Nicely done... even if Chad Henne threw three picks on the day...

Dolphins name pressbox after columnist, lose 2 QB's in 1 game...and still win....

Edwin Pope/Courtesy: joe rimkus jr/Miami Herald

Sunday was a somewhat surreal and strange day for an NFL game in Miami, and yet the Dolphins somehow still won.

It began when the team dedicated and named the pressbox at what is now SunLife Stadium after longtime Miami Herald columnist Edwin Pope. Pope has written for the Herald pretty much since the beginning of time, he's reported on the Dolphins for all 45 of their years in the league.

Read about the dedication...and Mr. Pope RIGHT HERE, it will be worth your time.

As for the game. Somehow, 3 different Quarterbacks got injured. 2 for Miami, 1 for Tennessee.

The Dolphins started Chad Pennington, it was to be Pennington's 1st significant game action in well over a year. He got hurt on the 4th play of the game. The man he replaced, Chad Henne, he lasted a couple of quarters before he got injured. The guy who finished up, but not before the Fins went to the Wildcat for a half dozen or so plays....emergency QB Tyler Thigpen.

As for the Titans, Kerry Collins was the starter for an injured Vince Young, Collins got hurt and Young came back in, he wasn't very effective, the Dolphins beat the Titans 29-17.

Until they get pulled, here are some game highlights.

Dolphins Crowder Claims McClain Spit On Him

((HT: JeffDarlingtonSports))

In the third quarter of the Ravens-Dolphins game Sunday afternoon, Dolphins LB Channing Crowder got into a bit of a tete-a-tete with ravens fullback Le'Ron McClain. Crowder says ((below)) a bunch of not nice things about McClain.

The allegation was backed up by some of Crowder's teammates- including Kendall Langford...

"Yeah, he spit in his face," Langford said. "That's the lowest thing you can do to a man in my book. That was very disrespectful. I think something should be done about it.

"It was that kind of game. He had been talking all game. They had been going back and forth all game. I guess, one thing led to another, then that happened. It was bad."

Here's the rant in full ((NSFW))

Dolphins Screwed Out Of Win Against Steelers

((HT: NFL on CBS/Youtube/Miami Herald/Neal))

Jeff Reed kicked a 19-yard field goal with 2:19 remaining to hand the Miami Dolphins a 23-22 loss to Pittsburgh dropping the Dolphins to 0-3 at home and 3-3 overall this season.

But, the question of the day is: Should it have come to that...???

On 3rd and Goal from the Miami 2, Ben Roethlisberger went for the endzone off a scramble. Officials initially ruled a touchdown, but the Dolphins challenged.

After a lengthy review ((the video below)) it was decided Roethlisberger fumbled before he crossed the goal line. But since the officials, on the field or otherwise, couldn't figure out who recovered and the replay couldn't give definitive proof- the Steelers were given the ball inside the 1, fourth and goal.

Then, the Reed field goal...

Here's the play, the review, and the aftermath...
Greg Gumbel and Dan Dierdorf are on the mic...


"This leaves a bitter taste," said Dolphins linebacker Karlos Dansby. "A bitter taste... They took that game from us."

That'd be about right...

Gloria Estefan Does Not Let A Locked Door Keep Her Down...

Sometimes you have to make do with a locked door keeping you from busting out of your own suite...

Gloria Estefan decided to go out her window and go next door to do what she needed to do...

Bully for her...
((HT: ESPN))

Davone Bess Goes Good Samaritan

((HT: 790 The Ticket via Brooks RSS))

Jorge Sedano has a morning show on 790 The Ticket in South Florida. And, as most morning drive programs are, it's local interview-driven.

This morning, Sedano had Dolphins wide out Davone Bess talking about anything and everything- including an accident that happened while they were talking.

The exchange is at the 62:38 countdown mark...

Bess actually had the presence of mind to: 1) Call 911 to interrupt the interview ((which was the right call to make)), and 2) Call back to finish the interview.

Class work... Here's some video evidence of Bess' handiwork when he's not helping out at accident scenes...
((HT: NFL on CBS/UHGPY72))

Did A Dolphin Get Special Treatment After Arrest...?

((HT: WSVN-TV Miami))

The Broward County ((FL)) Sheriff's Office is trying to figure out whether or not they gave "special treatment" to Miami Dolphins DE Phillip Merling after his release on bond after an aggravated battery charge back on Wednesday. Merling is accused of hitting his pregnant girlfriend at their home.

Everyone, normally, goes through the front door upon exit. Merling, however, was taken around to a side door and escorted home by a BSO deputy in a marked police car once he posted his $15,000 bond.

Sufficed to say some folks, including the sheriff, are slightly more than angry if this was the case.

Derek Hayward got to stand in front of the jail...


Merling was at Dolphins mini-camp Friday going through his standard toe-touchies and stretchings. Head Coach Tony Sparano is deferring to the league until all the information is in on the charge.

Stunner there, but the HQ can see a suspension in Merling's future...

More Famous People to Co-Own Dolphins

How many more "Minority Owners" does Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross need? He's already announced that Gloria Estefan has bought a small chunk of the team and now the latest to come on board: The Williams sisters. Yes, that's right, Venus and Serena.

Check out the story from Miami Herald.com here.

((Venus and Serena Williams Photo//Courtesy: Getty Images/NBC6 Miami))

Oh...by the way, the Dolphins are "Partners" with Jimmy Buffet too. Why else would the stadium now be called "Landshark" stadium?

Ross, who has gone on record saying "I don't need the money" says that this is to "Make the team more a part of the community". Ok, explain to me how inviting people who wouldn't be caught dead sitting in the stands (they'd be in a luxury box), helps "Connect the team with the Community"? Famous people are great at lending there names to...well...pretty much anything, but they don't necessarily show up to support the place or thing. It will be interesting to see if the Williams sisters along with the Estefan's actually show up at a game.

Enjoy this little ditty, recorded originally in 1973 (I can vouch for it, I grew up down there and actually have this song on an old 45). Video Courtesy: The You Tube

Does The Tuna Want #7 On The Dolphins

This quote from former NFL head coach Dennis Green on Sirius Satellite Radio earlier this week.

"I have a hard time believing that Michael Vick is not going to wind up with Bill Parcells, simply because [Parcells] has that creativeness that says no matter what it takes, he's going to find a way to get Michael Vick. Now, whether it means convincing the commissioner or whatever it takes, Michael Vick is probably going to wind up at Miami because of the fact Bill Parcells is Bill Parcells.''

Those of us at the OSG HQ think Green is who we thought he is, just an unemployed coach throwing junk out there to get some reaction.

We also believe their is no chance in hell Vick will don the aqua and orange. The Jolly Roger (Roger Goodell) hasn't had his say on "7" yet.

Starks Arrested After Trucking Police Officer

((HT: SI/Miami Herald- Lebovich, Samuels))

Miami Dolphins defensive end Randy Starks has been charged with using his truck to hit a police officer who tried to stop the vehicle on foot.

Miami Beach Police say the officer tried to stop the 25-year-old player when he was driving a truck packed with 13 people early Sunday in heavy traffic. They say the vehicle was meant for four people.

Police say Starks kept slowly moving forward even as the officer was beside the truck. They say Starks swerved the vehicle slightly, hitting the officer in the chest and pinning him against another vehicle.

The officer wasn't injured, but Starks was charged with aggravated battery.

Starks remained in a Miami jail Sunday afternoon. A message left at his agent's office was not immediately returned.

The Miami Herald takes us through the police report...
Starks, a 25-year-old defensive end, was driving a black freight-liner through bumper-to-bumper traffic around midnight when an officer noticed there were 13 people in the four-person vehicle, including a woman sitting on his lap.

The officer walked up to the car and knocked on the side window; Starks kept driving. Starks finally stopped when the officer knocked on the side door. Then the car accelerated, moving slightly to the left.

The movement caused the vehicle to hit the officer in the chest and pinned him against against a vehicle in the another lane.

Police ran the tags on the truck, which showed the license plate was not registered to that specific vehicle.

Starks is going into his second season with the Dolphins, where he started in four games and played reserve in 12 others. A graduate of the University of Maryland, he was drafted in 2004 by the Tennessee Titans.

He was listed as being held in jail Sunday morning on $10,000 bond.