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Sports

Miami Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross Thinks His Team is Great, Except on the Playing Field

Quote of the year?

Sure, we're just four days into it, but Dolphins owner Stephen Ross just may have uttered the quote of the year. In an end-of-year session with reporters, Ross said "from every aspect, except on the playing field, we're probably the first class organization in the National Football League." There's a lot to unpack here, so let's dive right in.

First, let's deal with that qualifier, because it's a doozy. "Except on the playing field." That is a pretty big aspect, Stephen! The Dolphins finished 6-10 this year and fired head coach Joe Philbin in the middle of the season. Miami finished 11-5 and earned a playoff berth in Ross' first year as owner in 2008, but they have not won more than eight games or played in the postseason since. "From every aspect, except in total sales and it's ability to play music, the Zune was a wild success." So, when he says "except on the playing field," that's what he means. Other than we suck at our reason for existence, we're awesome.

And, of course, let's talk about "the first class organization" of the NFL. Ross didn't inflect "the" like people from Ohio State like to, but you know that's what he meant. Since Ross took over, the Dolphins have had four head coaches, two of whom were mid-season replacements. His former GM, Jeff Ireland, once asked Dez Bryant if his mom was a hooker. The Miami Dolphins were home to the NFL's first bullying scandal, where Richie Incognito racially taunted Jonathan Martin and said shit like "Hear your sister has a wolf-puss" to him. But, sure, maybe they have nice practice facilities?

The really sad part is, Stephen Ross is pitching his team hard to prospective coaches. That's the only reason you say something like he said. "No, seriously, we are great, and will definitely not ruin your career."