After former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores claimed that the team had tampered with quarterback Tom Brady while he was still under contract with the New England Patriots in 2019 and that owner Stephen Ross had told the coach to tank that year, the league ran its own investigation.
The findings from that investigation, which was led by former U.S. attorney and SEC chair Mary Jo White, were released on Tuesday. They found that Miami had been in contact with both Brady and New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton’s agent, Don Yee, while the two were still under contract with their respective teams.
As a result, the league stripped Miami of their 2023 first-round selection and 2024 third-round selection. They also suspended Ross until October 17 and fined him $1.5 million as well as suspended Dolphins Vice Chairman Bruce Beal from league meetings through the end of the season and fined him $500,000.
In response, the Dolphins released a statement on behalf of Ross.
The independent investigation cleared our organization on any issues related to tanking and all of Brian Flores other allegations. As I have said all along, these allegations were false, malicious and defamatory, and this issue is now put to rest. With regards to tampering I strongly disagree with the conclusions and the punishment. However, I will accept the outcome because the most important thing is that there be no distractions for our team as we bgin an exiciting and winning season. I will not allow anything to get in the way of that.
Statement from Stephen Ross. pic.twitter.com/Ori647H0oF
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) August 2, 2022
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