USA TODAY International Edition
Dolphins tread lightly on Ireland
When Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross endorsed coach Joe Philbin on Monday in the wake of player misconduct allegations, one name was distinctly absent.
Ross did not mention general manager Jeff Ireland.
Ross’ lack of public support for Ireland has created speculation the general manager’s job might be in jeopardy because of his role in the alleged bullying of offensive tackle Jonathan Martin.
“He’s been very supportive,” Philbin said Wednesday of Ireland. “The discipline of the football team is in my hands. I’m in charge of that, but he’s always been supportive.”
The NFL is conducting a workplace review to determine if there was misconduct in the Miami locker room. Guard Richie Incognito was suspended for conduct detrimental to the team for his involvement.
Asked Monday if personnel changes could result from the NFL’s investigation, Ross said, “We’re looking at everything.” Ireland is a focus of scrutiny. “Want me to make a comment on Jeff Ireland’s job?” wide receiver Brian Hartline said. “I think that he’s done a good job. I think that we’re all in a tough position. He’s not the only one in that the only people that have each other’s backs at this point in time are the people that have offices inside this building.”
Asked about Ireland’s relationship with players, Hartline admitted there wasn’t unanimous support.
“The relationship is just mixed.” Hartline said. “That’s just kind of something we keep to ourselves. It’s not really anybody’s personal right to know our relationship with our GM.”
That difference of opinion was evident in the way Ireland’s daily interactions were perceived.
“Jeff’s around us all the time, everywhere we go,” rookie defensive end Dion Jordan said. “He wants us to succeed, so he does whatever he has to do to get us in the best posi- tion to succeed.” That sentiment was disputed. “We don’t have a lot of personal contact,” guard Nate Garner said. “He deals with all the transactions and things. I don’t know what all he does, and I think he’s a good guy.”
Bowe is a go:
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe will start Sunday against the Denver Broncos despite an arrest on marijuana possession and speeding charges, Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Wednesday.
“It’s a legal matter, so there are rules, regulations and laws involved, so I try to follow those best I can,” Reid said. “I addressed the player and the team about it.”
The NFL’s collective bargaining agreement stipulates the league, not teams, handles discipline for players violating the substance abuse policy. That typically does not occur until after a criminal case is resolved.
The Chiefs also claimed former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Kyle Williams off waivers.
Reinforcements:
The Atlanta Falcons activated linebacker Sean Weatherspoon from the injured list and signed offensive tackle Sean Locklear.