[Click on Twitter.com/gregcote to sign up because it's fast, free and every once in a while we have a drawing and award a randomly chosen follower a big boat. Not really].
Dolphins re-acquire Jason Taylor: Two days ago it seemed the Dolphins were going to let Jason Taylor slip away to rival New England, as I wrote in a column in which I called signing Taylor or not a litmus test for whether Miami was aiming to win now or continue rebuilding. Not sure whether my column was premature or prescient, but today, Miami passed that litmus test. I may be a genius. Or not. This is a great move because it addresses immediate needs and speaks to this season, not three years from now. But more work is left. Anquan Boldin is still out there, if the Dolphins are REALLY serious about getting from good to great. Click on Taylor Big, Boldin Bigger for my new column online now and shipping to Thursday's paper.
Michael Phelps' latest tabloid tawdriness: The British tabloid News of the World has a story in which a stripper named Theresa White (pictured) blabs about Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps' sexual prowess. Michael's previous tabloid scandal centered around a bong. This one centers around a "boiinng!" (Sorry). News of the World may or may not be a reputable publication. I think the same issue included an exclusive report on Queen Elizabeth sunbathing nude with Martians.
Miami Herald expands coverage area to Pittsburgh, D.C.: Strangest thing happened to me this morning. I woke up, ambled oustide, unsheathed the Miami Herald from its yellow plastic bag -- only to find the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette inside! Or was it the Washington Post? Yeah, tonight's Penguins-Capitals Game 7 was the main display splashed all across the front of the Sports section. I blinked hard only to learn it was indeed my Herald. Who says the newspaper industry is cutting back? We're expanding coverage into the Northeast! Would love to have heard the budget-meeting discussion on that yesterday. First editor: "Hey, it's been a terrific series, plus it includes superstars Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin." Second editor: "Umm, but this is not by any stretch a hockey town and the local TV rating for that game will be just below that of a ShamWow infomercial airing at 4 a.m." First editor: "Yeah but still. Slow news day."
Bulletin: Roger Clemens still lying: In the face of a damaging new book out this week Roger Clemens has broken a year's silence to continue denying he has ever used performance-enhancing drugs. In response, the American people issued a statement that read, "Yeah, right!" (Clemens is pictured left in happier times, preparing to punch singer Emmy Lou Harris).
Dwight Howard blames SVG: Magic star Dwight Howard questioned coach Stan Van Gundy's late-game strategy after last night's blown-lead loss in Boston. Club management reacted by quietly demoting Van Gundy (pictured right) from head coach to school crossing guard.
Kimbo Slice tries carving new niche: Fading mixed-martials arts novelty Kimbo Slice has decided to try boxing and will debut this summer. Zzzz. Aside to kimbo: Your 15 minutes almost up. Tick-tock.
Roger Goodell showing signs of early senility: NFL commissioner Roger Goodell told a Charlotte Touchdown Club meeting this week that the league may expand from one to two regular-season games in London as early as 2010. Goodell also has declined to expressly say no to speculation that even a Super Bowl may be played in London some day. Hey, Tagliabue. Go slap some sense into your replacement, will ya!? How about we suggest that NFL fans in London fly over here to watch games?
Cote's 'American Idol' odds: Idolheads (and I am one; sorry, guilty pleasure) know it pares from 3 to 2 tonight, and the way I see it is, Adam Lambert has a 49 percent overall likelihood of winning, Kris Allen is at 38% and Danny Gokey is 13%.
Latest round of thanks*...: go out to Miami New Times, PhinPhinatic, Sacramento Bee, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Seattle Times, Tampabay.com, Wall Street Journal, and of course as always 790 The Ticket. (*-Every once in awhile in the blog I shout gracias to a sampling of the outlets that have most recently published or referenced my writing).
Download your 'Fins iPhone application
Greeted by the pleasing eye-candy at the top of this post blog sure beats those assaulting flabby stomach pop-up ads on the right.
Posted by: OC Dolphin | May 13, 2009 at 11:24 AM
Cote is a douche.
Posted by: TheChampionUnderdog | May 13, 2009 at 12:29 PM
Wheres the retraction on JT, genius??
Posted by: M | May 13, 2009 at 01:46 PM
Hey Cote
Great call on Jason Taylor!!
Idiot.
Posted by: FIU_GPanther | May 13, 2009 at 01:52 PM
Dolphins going to resign Taylor. That is some good news.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/05/13/taylor.ap/index.html
Posted by: ginrai | May 13, 2009 at 02:14 PM
Gents, great to see JT back where he belongs, plus the belli-cheaters don't get him.
Posted by: FZB | May 13, 2009 at 02:15 PM
Wow didn't see that coming but Taylor can only help. Plus he certainly has had Mr. Brady's number. Oh Cote Queen Elizabeth without clothes I'll never get a stiffy again. However maybe if I keep looking at Phelpsy babe on tabloid cover it will help with nude QE trauma...
Posted by: r. duke | May 13, 2009 at 03:01 PM
Cote, you were and you are full of it.
Posted by: cyrus1a | May 13, 2009 at 03:42 PM
Cote
Does that mean yesterday's column is no longer operative? Kind of Nixonian wouldn't you say?
JT will be a good addition. Low cost and we can probably get a couple of good years out of him. Now if we can get that WR we need we'll be there.
Adma Lambert is the favorite, but he may not win Idol. My guess is that all the Hokey Dokey fans will end up voting for Kris Allen after their guy gets his ass kicked to the curb tonite. If I'm right, Kris Allen will win this in a huge upset.
The Michael Phelps story is a bore. You want a little spice, go check out this
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article2426865.ece
Posted by: Tom | May 13, 2009 at 04:33 PM
Wrong again, Scott Mitchell breath....:)
Kidding, kidding. Anyone who is never wrong does not have any opinions.
Posted by: Lloyd Heilbrunn | May 13, 2009 at 04:34 PM
Urban Crier is at it again bitching about a little criticism. Someone please tell that asshole to shut the phuck up, PLEWEEEZE!
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=4163417
Posted by: Tom | May 13, 2009 at 05:22 PM
Nice compilation of current players, which with Taylor's addition, make 86 players. Roster limits active players with a total of 53, and 8 additional spots added to the practice squad.
I wonder who the unlucky 25 will be?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_current_NFL_team_rosters
Posted by: OC Dolphin | May 13, 2009 at 06:45 PM
btw,
Greg has missed, what I believe is a great poll question:
WHAT WAS THE WORSE DECISION BY THE DOLPHINS, DURING THE PAST 5 YEARS?
a. Hire Nick Saban
b. Hire Cam Cameron
c. Select Jason Allen
d. Select Ted Ginn Jr
e. Not re-sign Wes Welker
f. Sign Trent Green
g. Sign Dante Culpepper
h. Other
What do you think? For me, it's "e," losing Welker, and to the Pats at that.
Posted by: OC Dolphin | May 13, 2009 at 07:01 PM
OC, I'll take a stab at your poll, I select H ( other ).
this was more than five years ago but the worse decision ever made by the Dolphins in its History is naming wanny mustache as its coach AND general manager, the guy has an I-Q of a bug and his player evaluations and selections were a joke.
That move alone set the Dolphins back a freakin decade !!!!!
Posted by: FZB | May 13, 2009 at 07:50 PM
There were bloggers who were wrong as well. They shall go nameless. Ahem, Jimbo, cough, cough....
Posted by: Kurt | May 13, 2009 at 08:01 PM
Dolphins signing JTaylor doesn't guarantee he makes the final cut in August.
If Cameron Wake turns out to be the real deal and J Taylor does OK,, perhaps Fins can trade JT a second time. Friggin novel idea if you ask me.
JTaylor will be a designated and usually not play on running downs.
Cote- WHY would a team trade #1 pick and give up $10 Mil a yr for Boldin??
Especially when Az was only asking for #2 on draft day???????
This regime ain't going to throw #1 picks for veteran player...
Thought you got the memo already.
Posted by: Jimbo | May 13, 2009 at 08:23 PM
meant to say "designated Pass Rusher". sorry Gents.
Posted by: Jimbo | May 13, 2009 at 08:24 PM
OC
That's an easy one, CamMoron. Without the CamMoron hire we don't 1) lose Welker, 2) draft Ted and his family, 3) sign Trent Green, 4) go 1-15, or 5) which is not on your list, have the worst draft in the history of our franchise.'
Next.
Posted by: Tom | May 13, 2009 at 08:38 PM
Signing Taylor is good Karma and does not hurt the future. Boldin costs too much. Signing him does not make the Phins a SB contender it just makes them better but its not worth mortgaging the future. Taylor has no downside.
Posted by: tom | May 13, 2009 at 10:48 PM
FZB,
I've got a good friend who is a big time Chicago sports fan. Loves the Bulls, but especially the Bears; following them for decades. I still remember to the day when Dave Wanstead was announced as the Dolphins new head coach. It was the same day we were over Jim's place for dinner. Knowing I'm a big Dolphins fan Jim turns to me and says: buddy, I feel so bad for you. You have NO idea how awful this guy is. He is going to absolutely ruin your franchise.
Prophetic.
Posted by: OC Dolphin | May 13, 2009 at 11:03 PM
Tom,
You took the obvious road. I fully expected you to select "h," "other," then call out Cam's mom for having him.
Posted by: OC Dolphin | May 13, 2009 at 11:08 PM
OC, your right. Now he's running Pitt into the ground too.
Saban wasn't any better and Cam was so bad in one season it took Parcells to come in and right the ship.
Taylor is the new wa wa wa waterboy.
Posted by: Jimbo | May 13, 2009 at 11:09 PM
Jimbo, I don't know. Perhaps you're being a bit harsh on JT. Given his age, dude will most likely not be an every down player. Still, it's no secret that the coaching staff recognizes that particularly in the AFC, getting to the QB has never been more important. JT brings experience, accomplishment, and heart. He has never been a bad character guy, and is in on the cheap.
Not a bad combination.
Posted by: OC Dolphin | May 13, 2009 at 11:28 PM
AFC East, that is.
Posted by: OC Dolphin | May 13, 2009 at 11:29 PM
Jason Taylor rejoins Dolphins
MIAM:I … Jason Taylor has rejoined the Miami Dolphins. Most experts, including the league commissioner
have publicly stated that Taylor is "All washed up and definitely over the hill." Dolphins QB, Chad Pennington said that he would like to go on record by saying "If that old man plays for us, I'm gone."
It was also reported by local channel 6, the NBC affiliate, that "so far over 16,000 season ticket holders have asked for refunds," the largest request for refunds in the history of the NFL.
Taylor's agent, Gary Wichard, says the 34-year-old linebacker signed a $1.5 million, one-year contract today with Miami. Dolphins management, which asked for anonymity,said they would make a decision by Friday of taking the option of "buying out" his contract and releasing the former All-Pro. They also were quoted as saying that "in todays' economy, no NFL team could take a hit of losing that many fans at one time. It would bankrupt the team and we would probably fold and be out of business before the first preseason game."
The NFL owners will be holding an emergency meeting this weekend at league headquarters in New York City to have a contingency plan to deal with the possibility of the Dolphins not playing this season due to the amount of season ticket holders not paying the balances of their tickets. Paul Tagliabue, the league commissioner said "this is going to be a sad day if we have to dissolve the Miami franchise."
Posted by: Mike M. | May 13, 2009 at 11:36 PM
Wanny/Spielman debacle was pretty horrific and went on WAY too long.
Posted by: r. duke | May 13, 2009 at 11:38 PM
Mike M you're one of best creative writers I've encountered. Right up there with Ray Bradbury and Rod Serling. Really that is bizarre tale of woe but well done.
Posted by: r. duke | May 13, 2009 at 11:42 PM
"Paul Tagliabue, the league commissioner"? Oops forgot to clean that one up Mike M.
Posted by: Tom | May 14, 2009 at 07:32 AM
A one year rental for a 2nd round pick. Gotta love Parcells.
Posted by: Noel | May 14, 2009 at 11:04 AM
Hiring CamMoron was the worst! Of all time in the history of the Fins. What a loser jerk! Second worst: Greg Cote constipated opinions. After the Vick article, I have no respect for your drivel anymore. It was even worse than Armondo's brainstorm "lets give Cam another year" bullsh*t from 2 years ago.(maybe...)Go write for the Raiders.
Posted by: California Dreamin' | May 14, 2009 at 11:42 AM
Good eye Tom I missed Paul Tagliabue. I might have caught Pete Rozelle though...
Posted by: r. duke | May 14, 2009 at 01:11 PM
DAH RAIDERS! HA HA
Posted by: r. duke | May 14, 2009 at 01:13 PM
DOES THAT CHICK IN THE PICTURE AT THE TOP HAVE A DOLPHINS TATOO
Posted by: bbq | May 14, 2009 at 02:28 PM
Cote strikes out again... Cote you blow!
Posted by: Marcus | May 14, 2009 at 03:35 PM
Once again another article of pure fail by Greg Cote....
::Golf Clap::
Posted by: LandShark | May 14, 2009 at 04:54 PM
Give Cote a break, he's on the Titanic with no lifeboat.
Posted by: Tom | May 14, 2009 at 05:50 PM
Regarding Boldwin being worth that much money and future first round pick I don't see it. Now if cash and draft pick were conditional based on his playing time(injured too bad so sad for him and Cards) and productivity ok.
Posted by: r. duke | May 14, 2009 at 06:29 PM
No raoul,
I think the tattoo says: "duke was here."
Posted by: OC Dolphin | May 14, 2009 at 06:39 PM
OC, I didn't post that question but I wish that's what tattoo said. How I wish that tattoo said that. You would not believe just how happy that would make raoul if that tattoo said that...
Posted by: r. duke | May 14, 2009 at 07:40 PM
Jason Taylor is back. Wow, get the IcyHot Shaq. Rumors persist around the league that Franco Harris is going to brush up on the Buns of Steel videos and come to Miami as a free agent RB. Same rumors going on that Billy Kilmer was coming to Miami too but unfortunately he tried on that old single bar facemask helmet and his head got stuck. Damn, his old lady had the local fire company remove retired Foreskins helmet with jaws-of-life contraption. Poor guy has a twin brother in Buddy Hackett. Larry Csonka considered coming back but is having a hard time passing up getting drunk on his fishing boat every day.
Posted by: BagDadMoFo | May 14, 2009 at 11:18 PM
Cote, why don't you and your twin sports authority Armando convince Parcells that this team can't win without Anquan Boldin?
You insist on trading a #1 for him. Lets face it, you media types think you only get good players by overpaying for someone else's troubles.
I got an idea, pass on Anquan because the price is too high ,, and get one of the Baldwin Brothers instead. Hey, at least the media knows about them without much research involved.
Posted by: BagDadMoFo | May 14, 2009 at 11:23 PM
Cote what kind of new f***ing M18Claymore perimeter have you set this time. I think your either VC or a narcotics agent. By the way I pissed myself over Billy Kilmer image. LOL. Csonka doesn't drink. I think he may smoke weed though...
Posted by: raoul duke | May 15, 2009 at 12:52 AM
duke,
Laughing my a** off. One of these days I may just have to publish my blog site address so that you and the crew here may enjoy OC's visual wit. It's kinda like Dave Berry, but with visuals.
Posted by: OC Dolphin | May 15, 2009 at 02:13 AM
Sorry Dave,"Barry."
Posted by: OC Dolphin | May 15, 2009 at 02:17 AM
testing testing 1.. 2.. 3.. 4..
Posted by: r. duke | May 15, 2009 at 07:08 AM
GOOD MORNING VIETNAM!!!!!! OC speaking of visuals enjoy this with your coffee and sunnyside up eggs..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_9A1JKImZ8
Posted by: r. duke | May 15, 2009 at 07:11 AM
Jesus, Buddy Hackett. Jesus H. Christ...
Posted by: r. duke | May 15, 2009 at 07:27 AM
Moe, Shemp and Hitler were triplets separated at birth.
Posted by: r. duke | May 15, 2009 at 07:31 AM
Schpeeking of Der Furher. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8dl4faCpJE&feature=related
Posted by: r. duke | May 15, 2009 at 07:42 AM
Csonka had questionable reputation of tasting coke occasionally in the 80's.
Billy Kilmer was dredged up from the depths of never neverland. Wonder how much that dude weighs now? He was a little portly as an NFL player to begin with. Wasn't he a Vietnam vet also?
I for one don't think it was a big deal either way signing J Taylor. For you guys thinking that he is automatic 10 sacks and potential Def player of the year ,, kidding yourselves,, the body of an athlete deteriorates at an incredible rate after 30.
Also gonna add another black cloud to your day.... Ricky Williams: this is his last yr as a Dolphin. next?... out to pasture with JT, only Ricky will be barefoot with a blunt burning brightly into the sunset..
thanks for the memories,, now go open a restaurant like NFL retiree's do.
BagDadMoFo... that is one funny dude.. wonder who that masked man is?
Posted by: Jimbo | May 15, 2009 at 11:04 AM