Don Jones Fines/Suspended

Nov 11, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins strong safety Don Jones (36) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Dolphins felt it necessary to send a message to the rest of the team.  Don’t take to Twitter and act stupid.  In the case of Dolphins defender Don Jones the phrase “OMG” and “Horrible” were enough to get him excused from off-season workouts and an undisclosed fine.

Welcome to the new Miami Dolphins.

Following Michael Sam’s selection by the Rams in round seven of Saturday’s wrap up to the draft, ESPN showed a clip of Sam kissing his boyfriend.  Jones tweeted, “OMG”.  When someone tweeted back if that was in reference to Sam’s kiss, he tweeted “horrible”.  While the tweets weren’t exactly “horrible” they did undermine the sensitivity atmosphere being laid out in Davie.  For Sam, should he make the Rams squad, OMG and horrible will be on the lighter end of the “what he is going to hear” spectrum.

For the record, I applaud Sam’s decision to keep the media from digging into his personal life and making it public on his own terms, that being said, it’s not like everyone is going to feel that way or support him.  And he knows that.

The Miami Dolphins for the second time this weekend has had to issue a statement regarding the brain-fart.  On Saturday Dennis Hickey was asked about the comments in his post draft presser and now the Dolphins have issued a formal statement in the wake of Jones’ off-season workout suspension.

"“We were disappointed to read Don’s tweets during the NFL Draft,” coach Joe Philbin said. “They were inappropriate and unacceptable, and we regret the negative impact these comments had on such an important weekend for the NFL. We met with Don today about respect, discrimination and judgment. These comments are not consistent with the values and standards of our program. We will continue to emphasize and educate our players that these statements will not be tolerated.”"

Jones himself took to the apologetic route as well.

"“I want to apologize to Michael Sam for the inappropriate comments that I made last night on social media,” Jones said in a statement released by the team. “I take full responsibility for them and I regret that these tweets took away from his draft moment. I remember last year when I was drafted in the seventh round and all of the emotions and happiness I felt when I received the call that gave me an opportunity to play for an NFL team and I wish him all the best in his NFL career. I sincerely apologize to Mr. Ross, my teammates, coaches, staff and fans for these tweets. I am committed to represent the values of the Miami Dolphins organization and appreciate the opportunity I have been given to do so going forward.”"

Moving forward, Jones will need to participate in what is being referred to as an “educational program”.  He will need to complete that program until he is allowed back on the team.  While on the surface the suspension from off-season workouts seems minor but for a player who could be on the bubble any time missed could have an impact on him challenging for a roster spot.  Jones’ can return to the team at such a time they deem the program completed.

The ghost of Jonathan Martin lives in on the hallowed halls of Davie.