Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Dolphins
Miami’s players are not upset about the team’s new national anthem policy.
DAVIE — Miami Dolphins safety Michael Thomas said the team’s newly implemented policy of requiring players to stand for the national anthem or stay in the locker room or tunnel is a good thing because it leaves no room for ambiguity.
“That’s probably the best way to look at it,” said Thomas, one of three Miami players who had knelt during the anthem this season. “Now players aren’t wondering, ‘OK, who is going to do what?’ or what not.
“That’s the team rule. Respect it.”
Thomas, tight end Julius Thomas and wide receiver Kenny Stills, the trio that knelt during the anthem two weeks ago and stayed in the tunnel last Sunday, participated in a police-ride along Tuesday followed by a town hall-style meeting.
It was the second year Stills and Michael Thomas have participated. Stills said the event was about “building trust with the law enforcement. We want equality for everyone and justice when it’s time for that.”
Stills said police are “trying their best to weed out the bad cops” but citizens must meet them halfway and not unfairly accuse police of being bad officers.
“It’s starting to make the police feel like everyone one of them is a bad guy,” Stills said. “We understand that. Every cop isn’t a bad cop just like every NFL player that makes a mistake, we’re not all bad guys.
“They’re doing their best so [we’re] just telling the young kids if you see a police officer, if you need anything, ask for help. Thank them for their service. Try and build that relationship and have that dialogue with them so they know who you are, and hopefully we can avoid all the issues we’ve been having.”
Parker (ankle) doesn’t practice
Dolphins wide receiver
DeVante Parker, who is battling an ankle injury, didn’t practice Wednesday. Defensive tackle Jordan
Phillips (ankle), who has missed the past three games, and cornerback Byron
Maxwell (foot) both practiced, although Maxwell was limited along with defensive end Terrence Fede (shoulder).
Running back Jay Ajayi (knee), center Mike
Pouncey (hip) and cornerback Xavien Howard (shoulder) each had full participation.
Gase mum on Landry
Coach Adam Gase said he’s aware of a report that wide receiver Jarvis
Landry is scheduled to meet with the league on Oct. 24, regarding his possible violation of the personal conduct code.
Landry was involved in a possible domestic battery case involving an ex-girlfriend, who also is the mother of his child. The Broward County State Attorney said it won’t press charges, but the NFL could still issue discipline without charges, an arrest or conviction.
“It’s a league matter,” Gase said of Landry. “There’s nothing that I can do about it.”
Gase defensive about Thomas
Tight end Julius Thomas has nine receptions for 86 yards and has hardly been a factor, save for a 23-yard reception against the Los Angeles Chargers. Thomas, a star pupil of Gase’s in Denver in 2013-14, hasn’t stood out so far, and Gase had a testy response when asked what needs to happen for Thomas to be more of a factor, especially in the red zone.
“I can ask the other coordinators to play man,” Gase replied flippantly, “but I don’t know if they’re really going to listen to me.”
Thomas didn’t start last Sunday against Tennessee. Instead, Anthony Fasano got the start. Gase downplayed the significance.
“It’s whatever personnel grouping I call,” Gase said. “Everything’s week-toweek.”
Steen has left guard job
Left guard Anthony
Steen played every offensive snap against Tennessee, and Gase said he has won the job over Jesse Davis. Steen and Davis alternated series the previous three games.