Dear Stephen Ross; plus Dolphins' greatest need (with poll) & more
[Tuesday morning note: I feel the need to point out the obvious, which is that what's below is my supposition. Maybe Peterson will be hired, Parcells will stay and they'll skip arm in arm to the Super Bowl. What I see more likely is Tuna leaving if Peterson is hired, mainly because I cannot envision Peterson agreeing to no say over personnel. We'll see...]
Dear Mr. Incoming New Majority Owner of the Miami Dolphins Stephen Ross:
Indications are your long friendship with recently deposed Kansas City Chiefs president/GM Carl Peterson is about to result in Peterson joining the Dolphins at the expense of current VP of personnel Bill Parcells. Say it ain't so, Steve! What a terrible choice that would be and what a clumsy way to usher in your ownership -- a move that would smack of cronyism driving out the Big Tuna.
I suspect all of this may be close to a done deal, sadly. I think the public courtship of Peterson has effectively made up Tuna's mind and that he'll activate the contract clause that allows him to leave. For certain, somebody needs to speak up, namely Ross or Parcells, or this thing could fester and get ugly.
Parcells' resume' shouts for itself. He has won Super Bowls. He was the main puppeteer who controlled strings on a 1-15 mess turning (voila!) into an 11-5 playoff team. Peterson? In 20 years as the Chiefs' top executive his teams won four division titles and last won a playoff game in 1993. His overall playoff record: 3-9. (At left: How KC fans came to feel about Peterson's regime. At right: How a thrilled Parcells might have reacted to Miami wooing Peterson).
Peterson is a veteran, "name" NFL executive. What he is not is Bill Parcells. Speak, Stephen. Talk, Tuna. End this little soap opera so Tony Sparano and his team know where they are headed, and who is leading them there.
Name the Dolphins' greatest need: OK Dolfans, you have witnessed the team's improvement, but you were reminded Sunday about the work still ahead. Taking everything into consideration, here is your chance to tell Bill Parcells (or Carl Peterson, perhaps!) what you think the team's single biggest need is as the draft and free agency approach. Take a dip in our poll and elaborate.
(Note: The above was our 46th blogpoll to surpass 1,000 votes. Click here to read the game column by me off Sunday's game. Warning. Fans who can't see past the loss might not like).
Hialeah makes most-boring-cities list: Hialeah is the second-most-boring city in America, according to Forbes. Hey don't blame me. Blame Forbes! Click here. Unless you're from Hialeah.
Playoff picks results: I went 2-2 overall and 2-2 vs. the spread in my NFL first-round playoff picks. Disappointing, although I nailed an outright upset with Cardbirds over Falcons. The big disappointment was having a strong hunch about Chargers winning but not pulling the trigger. Also missed the Dolphin game. Or did that go without saying?
Cops bust 'Toine: Ex-Heater Antoine Walker was stopped at 5 a.m. on Miami Beach for suspicion of drunk driving after his black Mercedes was seen with no headlights on and an odor of alcohol supposedly wafted forth. Cannot confirm Walker also was charged with having a gigantic head and being doughy.
Year in review, in song: A friend sent me a video of a 2008 year-end review set to a Christmas carols soundtrack. Thought it was pretty good. Thought that you might, too. Click here.
Maybin makes history: Anybody catch the Marlins' Cameron Maybin on Sunday' premier "Hot Stove" show on the brand new MLB Network? Either the distinction foretells Maybin's future stardom, or it means the network is too new to have attracted any real stars.
Blog note: Hey thanks to all of y'all for making us one of The Miami Herald's top five (of 34) blogs, with more than 585,000 hits in 2008, a healthy 32 percent increase. Our's was the second-most popular personality-driven blog, trailing only King Dave Barry. Keep coming back, and tell all your friends to do the same, as well as your enemies.
Click back. May be adding more stuff to this post later.
I think Stephen Ross is about to become the most despised man in Miami.
Posted by: Noel | January 05, 2009 at 04:57 PM
This is the GREATEST news a Patriots fan could hear!
Music to my ears! Wow, your new owner is a bonehead!
Awesome move, Ross!
Posted by: Kurt | January 05, 2009 at 05:01 PM
Greatest need = another owner to bring back Parcells!!!!!!
See Bill Run!
Run, Bill Run!
Bye Bye Bill!
LMAO!!!
Posted by: Kurt | January 05, 2009 at 05:03 PM
It would be amazing if they chased Parcells away. That's when football just becomes a game and I flush my loyalty to this piss poor franchise right down the commode. Like a 35 year marrige that ends in bitter divorce.
Posted by: r. duke | January 05, 2009 at 05:44 PM
Dear Stephen Ross if this story of forcing Parcell's out is true than all I can say is F*** YOU! Enjoy your empty stadium...
Posted by: r. duke | January 05, 2009 at 06:06 PM
Yes master this is great news for the flock,Your plan is coming together perfectly. soon the fish will be back in the cellar of the afc east, and the rest of the teams will be partioning the nfl to exile the fins to the lowly nfc west division...
Posted by: cuban menace | January 05, 2009 at 06:08 PM
Kurt if true we're talking much worse than a mere bonehead here.
Posted by: r. duke | January 05, 2009 at 06:10 PM
I really hope this is all a misunderstanding.
Ross should do whatever it takes to keep Parcels at least for another year.
If not. Ross cannot lose Sparano and/or Ireland. That would be a disaster.
On the Fins, I'm good with the season despite the harsh playoff exit. We can only get better if the Tri-fecta stays intact.
Posted by: oscar_g | January 05, 2009 at 06:11 PM
master should i show sympathy to our enemys???
Posted by: cuban menace | January 05, 2009 at 06:11 PM
Well I do have a soft spot for the Giants. Maybe I'll still be able to keep football in my life afterall. Loyalty is one of my best attributes but even Rommel had to tell Hitler to go f*** himself at some point.
Posted by: r. duke | January 05, 2009 at 06:14 PM
It occurs to me that losing percells is akin to a hurricane hitting miami, is that about right guys????
Posted by: cuban menace | January 05, 2009 at 06:20 PM
UTTERLY, AMAZINGLY STUPID, EVIL, AND I BET GREEDY.
Posted by: General Jack Ripper | January 05, 2009 at 06:22 PM
I'm with you, r. duke. I've suffered enough. This would be the ultimate, last straw, bonehead move.
Posted by: Noel | January 05, 2009 at 06:23 PM
Well put duke,,, by the way how about joining the flock??
Posted by: cuban menace | January 05, 2009 at 06:23 PM
cuban menace,
It would be like the worst category 5 hitting.
Posted by: Noel | January 05, 2009 at 06:24 PM
noel, theres room for you with us....
Posted by: cuban menace | January 05, 2009 at 06:24 PM
cuban if this crap is true I'll sign up.
Posted by: General Jack Ripper | January 05, 2009 at 06:25 PM
I take back everything I said, Wayne. Please don't sell the rest of the team to this moron. I've learned my lesson. Be casreful what you wish for..
Posted by: Noel | January 05, 2009 at 06:29 PM
Let me tell you guys my story, I was a miami fanatic from the time i left the womb, I lived and breathed for sundays to watch my beloved fins play . i was with them when woodly(r.i.p) was there q.b and i was there for the marino years. year in and year out whether they won or lossed. and finally after dave wannstadt took over that was the final straw, Knowing what this bone head had done to the bears i swore i would never root for them again. You see guys the dolphins are like your first love, she"ll cheat on you and in a couple months she"ll let you back into her life , just to break your heart again..I find it now more enjoyable to root against them, so thats my story guys..
Posted by: cuban menace | January 05, 2009 at 06:33 PM
say it ain't so mister, say it ain't so.
Posted by: Little Crippled Billy | January 05, 2009 at 06:37 PM
All in due time, my Son. Yes, it would seem my Grand Plan is coming together.
Best not to rush this exodus - we have plenty of time, my Son.
We should show some empathy, but only to a point. Then we offer our welcoming hand and do our best to lead them to the dark side.
Posted by: Kurt | January 05, 2009 at 06:38 PM
Ok, so this Ross guy is another side show Bob. Peterson would have been an improvement over Cam, Wanny, Speilman, Saban but not close to Parcells level.
Posted by: Ward Cleaver | January 05, 2009 at 06:41 PM
So i joined the dark side, what can i say....
Posted by: cuban menace | January 05, 2009 at 06:42 PM
Master, is it true that j. ross is also a member of the flock???That last post was inspiring master, thats why you are the lord of darkness...
Posted by: cuban menace | January 05, 2009 at 06:47 PM
" what in the wide,wide world of sports going on on this blog???"
Posted by: Tagert | January 05, 2009 at 06:50 PM
" Just what would it take for the people of rockridge to flee?"
Posted by: heddy lamar | January 05, 2009 at 07:01 PM
Why havent i been notified about the evil going ons in fin land??
Posted by: the anti christ | January 05, 2009 at 07:20 PM
If what Cote opines here is true, then it is all over folks -- All over. This franchise cannot recover such a massive f*** up. This is all on Wayne though. He's the guy who promised Bill that he would stick around and own during Bill's tenure. Tuna's act actually salvaged Wayne's tattered image, then THIS!?.
If this comes to pass, kindly accept my resignation. Look for OC_(fill in the blank) somewhere else.
Check out this fellow's fine qualities with this link:
http://www.georgeblowfish.com/Chiefspage8.html
Posted by: OC Dolphin | January 05, 2009 at 08:13 PM
This Stephen Ross guy is from Michigan. If he is planning to drive Parcells out ,and put Carl Peterson in charge he should of bought the Lions from Ford instead.
Posted by: ginrai | January 05, 2009 at 08:37 PM
OC, I would have felt better if that was King Carls actual gravestone. I feel bad for players and long suffering fans. Never in my wildest football nightmares has such a situation existed.
Posted by: General Jack Ripper | January 05, 2009 at 08:45 PM
Flipperskurtus, Pioli is going to Kansas City probably or some other nfl team other than your pretending Patsies.
Posted by: ginrai | January 05, 2009 at 08:46 PM
The guy(king carl)looks like a prick. Hard to view him any other way particularly in light of his resume. I think Ross should take this team to LA, let city of Miami keep franchise name and heritage until such time as a new owner buys it.
Posted by: General Jack Ripper | January 05, 2009 at 08:50 PM
Really UNF***INGBELIEVABLE.
Posted by: General Jack Ripper | January 05, 2009 at 08:54 PM
Gentleman, May i offer you a alternative to your suffering and pain? join us in the dark side, where youll know the joys of winning a championship, not only in football but in baseball and basketball..
Posted by: cuban menace | January 05, 2009 at 08:56 PM
IF ROSS RUNS PARCELLS OUT OF TOWN ALL OF US DOLPHINS FANS SHOULD BOYCOTT THE TEAM. I THINK THE PLAYERS AND COACHING STAFF WILL.
Posted by: BILL | January 05, 2009 at 08:56 PM
Just join us and feel the joys of winning multible titles. but you must hurry ,for membership is limited. so join the flock and let the master of darkness make your life great.
Posted by: cuban menace | January 05, 2009 at 09:01 PM
Cote, I know you'll understand where I'm coming from when I say where that football- poll plus a telephone-pole can go.
Posted by: r. duke | January 05, 2009 at 09:10 PM
And In indoor sccor too...
Posted by: cuban menace | January 05, 2009 at 09:11 PM
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ ad nauseum.
Posted by: r. duke | January 05, 2009 at 09:17 PM
Iam Sorry its indoor soccer, mike lowel is with us and so is josh beckett, along with wes welker, sammy morris is also with us., so guys championships await all you fine fans , come and join us...
Posted by: cuban menace | January 05, 2009 at 09:17 PM
fellers,
i am not surprised that receiver got the most (a majority,no less!!) of the votes for greatest need. in my unhumble opinion, another lineman, either offensive or defensive, is the greatest need. the dolphins had no run game and no pass rush from the line. there are a plethora of gifted passcatchers around, and there will be some still around in rounds 2 and 3. the first round pick should be a pass rushing/run stopping lineman; if there is not a brute of that type, a run-blocker for the right side of the line. a hard-hitting safety like taylor mays of USC wouldn't hurt either.
Posted by: the shadow knows | January 05, 2009 at 09:19 PM
R Duke , I know you are ready for new joys, joys that only winning a championship will bring. join us R. Its Time That you deserve a championship...
Posted by: cuban menace | January 05, 2009 at 09:23 PM
so shadow a penny for your thoughts? I'm assuming either your not an alarmist waiting to see what actual situation is before commenting or you are in too much shock to acknowledge what appears to be unfolding.
Posted by: r. duke | January 05, 2009 at 09:24 PM
r. duke,
it was a terrific season, spoiled by a loss that could have been overcome when the score was 20-9 and a successful reverse was in process. the lack of rushing offense and defense told yesterday's story. a bountiful crop of rookies that contributed will make for a good foundation for next year; but as mike1 has pointed out, the schedule will be a witch. 9-7 is an optimistic pick for next year!!
Posted by: the shadow knows | January 05, 2009 at 09:27 PM
shadow your thoughts on Ross/King Carl/Parcell's situation.
Posted by: r. duke | January 05, 2009 at 09:31 PM
That would be an awful way for Ross to start his ownership tenure. I live in New England... the tide has finally started to turn... if it ain't broke, don't fix it!
Posted by: Scott R | January 05, 2009 at 09:34 PM
Menace, i just signed up for the dark side, when may i begain to celebrate a championship?
Posted by: anti christ | January 05, 2009 at 09:38 PM
Great queston a.c, it looks like your 1st championship will be coming some time in mid june.you made a great choice joining us, now sit back and enjoy your championships.
Posted by: cuban menace | January 05, 2009 at 09:51 PM
Leggo my Ego!
Ross wants to be the head honcho, probably despises the omnipresent Parcells and so wants to force him out.
I guess it means we draft Tim Tebow, trade for TO and bring back Taylor.
Posted by: lasarte | January 05, 2009 at 10:08 PM
This sounds like Taylor vs Parcells. I don't care if Parcells is a picky, high maintenance whatever. If Ross drives him away I will hate him forever. Especially for Peterson. Peterson? Who the hell is he? What's he ever done?
Posted by: Yitz | January 05, 2009 at 10:10 PM