The Wells Report: Dolphins, Patriots reactions
By Dan Heaning
Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots fans both know the sting of a Ted Wells Report slamming their organizations. However, the stark difference between the two franchises’ reactions speaks volumes to the character of both teams and their owners.
The Dolphins endured their public shaming and let the Richie Incognito-Jon Martin harassment scandal die. The Patriots are currently in full-fledged kicking and screaming mode.
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Miami handled their scandal by firing the coaches involved and not bringing back Incognito and John Jerry. Incognito was suspended by the team when the incident was first made public during the season.
The Patriots are readying to sue the league, Tom Brady is readying to appeal a meager four game suspension, and Patriots fans protested the NFL office in New York.
One team took the lambasting of the Wells Report like men. However, it appears some on the football side of the organization wanted to fight it, according to Armando Salguero.
But the cooler, more mature heads prevailed for the Dolphins. Whether it was to just to let the story and bad press taper off or not to dampen Miami’s relationship with the other 31 NFL clubs for stadium funds purposes. Even if it was both, owner Stephen Ross and his “New York non football people” made the right call.
Obviously, the Patriots don’t care they got off easy. They don’t care about their relationship with the 31 other NFL teams. They don’t care that the New Orleans Saints got a far more damaging punishment without having been second offenders.
“The Patriots are the spoiled children of the NFL.”
The Patriots are the spoiled children of the NFL. They did wrong. They got caught. But how dare the league punish them. Even though the punishment is extremely light.
So for once, Miami Dolphins fans can thank their lucky stars they have an owner like Stephen Ross instead of Robert Kraft. That’s a rare instance, so savor the moment Dolphins fans.
What do you think? Was the reaction the Dolphins gave to their Wells Report spineless and timid or did they accept the ruling like men? What about the Patriots? Is there anything defensible about the team’s and fans’ actions? Sound off in the comment section below.