In the wake of releasing Chad Johnson, the Dolphins had to deal with linebacker Karlos Dansby going on the radio and criticizing the move.
Now, they’re taking action to prevent a repeat after trading veteran cornerback Vontae Davis for future draft picks.
According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, Dolphins PR staffers were active in their efforts to keep the controversial conversations to a minimum.
When running back Reggie Bush was asked about trading a contributor for a draft pick who couldn’t help them this year, Bush began: “It’s tough, obviously. It’s tough.”
At that point, according to Jackson, “A Dolphins publicist, unaware of the topic being discussed, then called across the room, ordering the interview to end.”
Philbin told his players two weeks ago that he didn’t want them bad-mouthing the team’s personnel moves. The message seems to have taken hold, as only one player criticized it, and that in an unnamed capacity.
“I’ll leave that up to you all,” Dansby told reporters when asked if he was disappointed by the trade. “I don’t know what the situation was or what occurred to cause the trade.
“He’s a great player, one of the best corners in the game. I’m not sure about the direction of the team. That’s not my place. My place is to play hard and be the leader of men.”
Philbin has a huge challenge in front of him, as do most coaches who take over bad teams. But in trying to find “fits” for his program, he runs the risk of making players feel like children.
Some guys are always going to gripe, especially if one of their friends is released of traded.
But going out of their way to keep them from talking about it is only going to drive the dissent underground, where it’s probably more dangerous.