Dolphins fine Don Jones, excuse him from team activities for Michael Sam comments
The Miami Dolphins have punished safety Don Jones for his social media comments on Twitter about St. Louis Rams outside linebacker Michael Sam.
Jones, who wrote "OMG" and "Horrible" in reacting to Sam's embrace and kiss of his boyfriend after becoming the first openly gay player to be drafted into the NFL, was fined an undisclosed amount and excused from all team activities until he undergoes and completes educational training.
“We were disappointed to read Don’s tweets during the NFL draft," Dolphins coach Joe Philbin said in a statement. "They were inappropriate and unacceptable, and we regret the negative impact these comments had on such an important weekend for the NFL. We met with Don today about respect, discrimination and judgment. These comments are not consistent with the values and standards of our program. We will continue to emphasize and educate our players that these statements will not be tolerated.”
Don Jones apologized in a statement.
“I want to apologize to Michael Sam for the inappropriate comments that I made last night on social media," Jones said. "I take full responsibility for them and I regret that these tweets took away from his draft moment. I remember last year when I was drafted in the seventh round and all of the emotions and happiness I felt when I received the call that gave me an opportunity to play for an NFL team and I wish him all the best in his NFL career.
"I sincerely apologize to Mr. Ross, my teammates, coaches, staff and fans for these tweets. I am committed to represent the values of the Miami Dolphins organization and appreciate the opportunity I have been given to do so going forward.”
Follow me on Twitter: @RavensInsider
Aaron Wilson covers the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun
Follow @footballpost on Twitter for the latest news
This story originally appeared on Nationalfootballpost.com
Want to work in football? Introduction to Scouting begins in May and is enrolling now! Save $100 with code NFP100! REGISTER HERE!
