This time around, the Miami Dolphins got away from me quicker than usual. By weeks.
Well, everyone except for coach Mike McDaniel.
I practically ambushed him.
Even Hall of Fame coach Jimmy Johnson was surprised.
But Jimmy being Jimmy, he had a cunning escape plan.
When I was informed of my interview subject, I was especially impressed by the name Harrison Butker He called but completely avoided me.
I guess I don’t blame them.
They thought I was telling them to get in touch with the third railroad: politics.
To be clear, I wasn’t asking about their personal political leanings or about Kansas City Chiefs kicker Butker, whose comments at a recent graduation ceremony prompted my question.
I was going to ask the Dolphins if they talk politics in the locker room (not what side they’re on, honestly, I don’t care) because it’s an election year and because of Butker, and if they think it’s healthy to talk politics in the locker room.
That was the inquiry.
Yes, sometimes I write about topics that other writers would never think of.
— Dolphins Locker room seating chart;
— Miami The pre-game coin toss was a phenomenal success.;
– A few Offensive lineman grew up as ‘the fat kid who got bullied’;
–And more recently, Dolphin Activities in the Community.
I have a different opinion on that point.
That aside.
Political topics come up, such as the presidential election, gun control, and social injustice.
So I asked McDaniel if he encourages his players to talk about their political stances in the locker room or if he wants them to leave it at home.
“Well, I’m glad you asked,” he said in a sarcastic but humorous tone, before getting serious.
“I really stress that whatever they say, they better believe it. Just educate people so they understand that whatever they do, there will be consequences. They have the freedom of choice and if they want to go in that direction, go ahead and do it. I’ll be right here with you guys.”
Johnson, more media savvy than most, was completely evasive.
“Well, if our players are going to talk about politics, they know more about it than I do,” Johnson said.
If you follow Dolphins players on social media, you know that some of them are politically conscious and love to voice their opinions.
And sometimes it’s best to avoid political topics in the workplace.
Is that the case for the Dolphins as well?
The problem is, now I don’t think that’s possible.
Is this possible in your workplace?
We may be in such an era.
There have been many times in my career when talking about politics in some form or another was inevitable in the locker room.
One of them was 9/11.
That was during the 2001 season, my second year covering the Dolphins.
The other was in 2005 when I was covering the Miami Heat.
Commissioner David Stern enforced the dress code, which was highly politically charged.
In 2018, some NFL players took a knee during the national anthem as a protest against social injustice.
As many of you know, former Dolphins wide receiver Kenny Stills became the leader of that movement.
The Dolphins’ locker room became something of a political hotspot.
And, certainly, players had a range of opinions they expressed publicly on the subject.
But the locker room did not descend into chaos.
COVID was a hot topic during the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
With some players choosing not to get vaccinated, there would have been some form of COVID conversation in the locker room, and some of those conversations would likely have been hardcore.
Mr. Butker, that brings us back to the present day and the upcoming election.
I really enjoy talking to the Dolphins players about things other than football.
As I’ve said many times before, this is a great locker room.
These people are smart.
I like to hear their opinions.
I have several Dolphins “A” list players that I rely on when I need a considered opinion.
Left tackle Terron Armstead and Kendall Lamb The quarterback is on that list. Mike WhiteFullback Alec IngoldRun back Raheem Mostert.
What I expect from defensive linemen Carre Campbellwho officially signed with the Dolphins on Tuesday, will also be part of that group.
And then there’s another group of intelligent and interesting players, which includes, in no particular order, long snapper Blake Ferguson, kicker Jason Sanders, safety Jevon Holland, guard Robert Jones, defensive tackle Zach Seeler, edge rushers Bradley Chubb and Jaylan Phillips, right tackle Austin Jackson, linebackers David Long Jr. and Duke Riley, running back Jeff Wilson Jr. and guard/center Liam Eikenberg.
This is not, and is not intended to be, a complete list.
Don’t read anything into what’s omitted.
Honestly.
In short, the Dolphins locker room is filled with interesting, intelligent players.
I’ve always said that.
I commended the Dolphins players, coaches and front office for that.
But with a contentious election and preparations slated to take place during the season, it makes you wonder how the Dolphins plan to handle political topics.
