Dolphins don't like to discuss off-field problems
Team has had several arrests this offseason, CEO plays defense
by Aaron Wilson

It has been a stormy offseason for the Miami Dolphins with four players arrested.

That includes running back Ronnie Brown and cornerback Will Allen arrested for driving under the influence and a pair of domestic battery charges for defensive linemen Phillip Merling and Tony McDaniel.

According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, the Dolphins essentially have a policy of not discussing off-field issues.

“It’s a league matter or a legal matter," Dolphins CEO Mike Dee said.

Dee defended the Dolphins' commitment to character, which Bill Parcells said would be a point of emphasis when he joined the organization and formed a leadership group that includes coach Tony Sparano and general manager Jeff Ireland.

“We have great guys on this team," Dee said. "They do a lot for the community both on their own and on behalf of the franchise. Bill, Jeff and Tony put a tremendous emphasis on character and makeup when they put this roster together.

"We’re proud of the team that we have and I know it’s an important priority as we move forward as well to continue to put the emphasis on the character and makeup of our guys. We’re really happy with the team that we have, and think they represent this franchise well in the community.”

Earlier this offseason before Merling's arrest, Dolphins team owner Steve Ross, in reference to the arrests, said: "You certainly don’t want to see it happen. It doesn’t make us happy. It’s a concern. The coaches and Parcells are disappointed, and concerned, and they are addressing it.”