Jeff Ireland calls Dolphins’ fan an A**hole

Sep. 18 News and Notes 6 comments ---Bill

The Miami Dolphins are off today and while many fans are still smiling from Sunday’s win, some fans are once again unhappy with Dolphins’ GM, Jeff Ireland.  It’s no secret that Jeff Ireland has more haters than supporters within the Dolphins fan community.  Many fans blame Ireland for poor drafts, disappointing free agent acquisitions, bad trades, etc.  Heck, a portion of Dolphins fans flew a banner last year, asking Stephen Ross to fire Ireland.

Ireland has stayed out of the limelight for the most part, at least since he was publicly scolded repeatedly for asking Dez Bryant, during the draft process, if his mother was a prostitute.  But earlier today, word got out that Ireland had a choice word to say to a Dolphins fan named ‘Sean’.  Ireland was visiting his family’s luxury box at halftime of the Dolphins/Raiders game, when he met a few fans, signed some autographs, etc.  Then, ‘Sean’ approached Ireland and let him know that he was unhappy with Ireland’s job performance (probably a little more vulgar than that).  Sean proceeded to tell Ireland that he should fire himself.  After that, Ireland, simply turned around and walked away, but said ‘A**hole’ loud enough for Sean to hear.

Earlier this afternoon, Jeff Ireland admitted to saying the obscenity, but he said that he meant to say it under his breathe.  Who knows? And frankly, who cares?  For a guy in Ireland’s position, who has put together 7-9, 7-9, and 6-10 teams the last 3 years, he probably would be wise to not say anything.  The fan shouldn’t have said what he said either.  Although he’s a paying customer, there’s no reason to be rude as much as some fans might agree with what he said.

Personally, I think both the fan and Ireland were wrong.  The fan has the right to say what he wants, it’s not something I would do, but he did it.  Ireland, who represents the Dolphins franchise, should be above calling a fan a name.  Quite honestly, if Ireland was doing a better job of collecting talent for the Dolphins, would this even be an issue?  Fans wouldn’t be so upset with him and he would probably laugh off someone calling for him to fire himself!

Seriously, I really don’t care, I just want the Dolphins to get ready for the game against the Jets on Sunday!  And, as I said earlier today, the Dolphins need to figure out how to fix their defensive pass coverage…..and quickly!

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  • ward

    well hurrey for ireland if i was in his shoes i would of call him more than that fans wants a winner but have no ideal of the operations be hind the seans when i am the boss and some would say someting to me like that i would fire them and some one outside of the company dosent even know what gose on behind close doors go ireland . pesonall i am sick of hearing all the crybaby fans

    • Tammy

      Jeff Ireland has not learned much since he has been GM with Miami. Fans have every right to be upset with him. On what basis does he make these player decisions? Miami needs team players now! Yes its great to have a second string that can benefit from practice and learn how to do their JOB that’s great but this team does NOT work together. Most are out there playing for themselves. This is a team not a high school franchise. It is a pro team and they need to start showing that. Alienating fans does not sell seats or merchandise. Players want to get paid? They have to do their job. If they don’t want the job there are many waiting on the sideline to take it from each and every one of them. Jeff wanted to have controlling rights to who will be on the team. That’s fine; then he should do his job because there is always someone that wants his job too. Fans will have no problem sending him to cozy up with Tony Sparano.

  • Brewbare

    i am not a Ireland fan but this fan was out of bounds as was Ireland.

  • Edjr

    I say they both shake hands and apologize to each other. The fan should for instigating it and Ireland should for his lack of professionalism. Ireland could have said thanks for the job critique and walked away instead of being unprofessional and doing what the fan wanted him to do. And that is make the news like he has done.

    Now how about those Dolphins shut the :” We hate Tannehill and think he should not ever be a starting QB in the NFL ever.” Tannehill fans up with a win over the Jets this Sunday. Those folks are getting on my nerves.

  • URIDOLP2012

    We live an a great country that allow you even to insult, especially when you have a job that involved the public. Honestly, Ireland deserved for his mediocre job with our team. Ireland should understan that Miami’ fans do care about this Dolphin team and like you said, we are customers that pays to see a good product. Money – team- fans- business- identification – our city – tradition means a lot for many fans. And Ireland had done a terrible job for a proudly franchise like the Dolphin. Mr. Ross think otherwise, is nothing we can do that than not to wacht any game anymore. Some fans are really tire of excuses and the problem has been Ireland poor choices for this team.
    A part from that, CONGRATULATION to the entire organization, players and coaches for a superior job against the Raiders. Some adjustment were maded and key pieces and clicking. That is result from hard work. But we need to be realistic, it is only one game and Raiders are terrible. This comming Sunday against the Jets will be a good test for this Dolphin team.
    Our QB is performming great and he is showing that he can run out package. You need to develop that weapon. Offensive line great and big help to Bush, It did showed. Receivers better, but it need more development from other players for more options. DEFENSE, did a terrific job at fromt and at the linebackers position CORNERS play well, but they need to get better for more effective teams like New England, Boltimore, and Pittsburg. Coach Phibbin said something very true when he said that “Changin a culture of mediocrecy may take some time” And I do agree totally. Maybe we should not judge to quickly. But at the same time we as fans we are just tired of mediocrecy year after year.
    I CHALLENGE THIS DOLPHIN TEAM TO PROVE TO MIAMI’ FANS THAT THIS TEAM CAN WIN MORE THAN 5 GAMES.
    LET’S KEEP MOVING THE SAME WAY YOU GUYS DID AGAINST THE RAIDERS. KEEP IMPROVING AND DEVELOP MORE WEAPONS.
    ALL IS AT TO YOU GUYS. GOOD LUCK.

  • Anothermuse

    Ireland wasn’t confrontational about it, he tried to laugh it off and walk away and then mutters the exact same thing almost anyone else would say a little too loud. I haven’t been an Ireland fan, but on the other hand, this Sean was what he was called. He was classless and doesn’t deserve..well much of anything.