There were two issues that Miami Dolphins team owner Stephen M. Ross has dealt with during this offseason.
First, there was the allegation from former head coach Brian Flores that he was offered $100,000 for every loss to improve their draft position.
Then, there were incidents of tampering with quarterback Tom Brady and former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton.
The NFL has released its findings regarding these two incidents and cleared Ross about Flores’ allegations.
However, the tampering incidents were proven to be true.
As a result, the Dolphins must forfeit their 2023 first-round draft pick and 2024 third-round pick.
Ross is also suspended from his official duties with the team until October 17 and he will pay $1.5 million in fines.
The Dolphins owner released a statement regarding the two verdicts.
Statement from Stephen Ross. pic.twitter.com/Ori647H0oF
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) August 2, 2022
Regarding the alleged tanking incident, Ross said, “An independent investigation cleared our organization on any issues related to tanking and all of Brian Flores’ other allegations. As I have said all along, these allegations were false, malicious, and defamatory.”
On the other hand, he said about the tampering incident, “I strongly disagree with the conclusions and the punishment. However, I will accept the outcome because the most important thing is that there be no distractions for our team as we begin an exciting and winning season. I will not allow anything to get in the way of that.”
Winning Time For The Dolphins
Ross must be thankful that the verdict came before the season started.
That way, his revamped team can focus at training camp without dealing with other distractions.
They do have a great chance to get a playoff berth with Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, Cedrick Wilson, Jaylen Waddle, Chase Edmonds, and Mike Gesicki.
If everyone is on the same page, the Dolphins will be difficult to beat.
