Summary
- NFL strips Miami Dolphins of right to first round draft pick in 2023
- Dolphins owner Stephen Ross hit with $1.5 million fine
- Fines rolled out as a result of tanking and tampering probe
The NFL announced on Aug 02 that it was imposing harsh penalties on NFL franchise, the Miami Dolphins after getting the results of the tanking and tampering probe that was conducted.
Some fans feel that the NFL was a bit too harsh with the Dolphins while others feel that the NFL has sent a clear message to the rest of the teams.
Allegations were made against the Miami Dolphins of breaching anti-tampering rules of the NFL in a bid to make contact with NFL superstar Tom Brady and the ex-coach of the Saints, Sean Payton via his agent.
A probe led by ex- US Attorney and SEC Chair Mary Jo White along with the Debevoise legal firm carried out an investigation into the claims that the Dolphins first contacted Brady during the 2019-2020 season when he was with the New England Patriots and looking for a new team. The probe also alleges that the Dolphins once again tried to get in touch with Brady during the 2021 season after he joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The investigation claimed that Dolphins approached Brady about playing for the franchise or taking up a role as a football executive. Bruce Beal, vice-chairman of the Dolphins was the one who led the discussions. In Jan 2022, the agent representing ex-Saints coach Sean Payton was also approached.
There were also allegations that the Dolphins might have tanked a few games but the probe did not find them guilty of throwing games but did say that their owner Stephen Ross made it clear to the team that winning games during the 2019 season wasn’t their number one priority but getting the best draft position.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said the violations were very serious and warranted harsh penalties. As a result, Ross was hit with a $1.5 million penalty and suspended till October while Beal was slapped with a $500,000 fine.
The Miami Dolphins have also been stripped of their first round pick during American football’s 2023 NFL draft and their third round pick during the 2024 draft. Ross has also been suspended till October 17.
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