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Fins Fiasco Finally Finished*

Jason ParkerBy: Jason Parker

From an early age, I was always a devoted fan of the Miami Dolphins. From the move from the Orange Bowl to Joe Robbie Stadium (its rightful name and what I will always call it), to the 1994 AFC playoffs where we were screwed over by the refs in San Diego, to the wonderful feeling of Greg Camarillo scoring the touchdown against the Ravens that saved us from a winless 2007, I bleed aqua and orange almost as much as I do garnet and gold. Being able to be the producer of Dolphins Weekly has been almost a dream come true.

For the first time in my 27 years on this earth, the events of the 10+ days have made me questions supporting this team from here on out.

I'm fine with making a coaching switch if it is in the best interest of the team. I am not delusional enough to this world to think that sports is not a business…Stephen Ross and the rest of the owners of the team have a right to protect their investment and do what they think is the best money making move.

However, there is a fine line in the way you do things. Going on a recruiting mission while you still have a coach on your payroll…NOT the way to do it. That's why Jim Harbaugh didn't want to take his talents to Davie…he didn't want to be the guy that was bringing his stuff to the office while Tony Sparano's body was still warm.

Getting to know Sparano over the last three years, I admit I personally like the man. I think he has a commitment to doing the best job possible. Were the results this year what he, or any of us, wanted? Of course not, and Tony will be the first one to tell you that. But if you are even somewhat convinced there might be someone out there better, you have to let him go. It's the proper thing to do, giving Tony the respect and chance to get another job.

To his credit, Ross admitted he could do better, and then gave a peace offering of an additional two years of paychecks for Tony, all this happening in what looked like one of the most awkward press conferences in the history of sports.

For the record, I do believe Ross offered a contract to Team Harbaugh. The number "8 million dollars" doesn't just come out of thin air…whether it was verbal or written, Ross was ready, willing and able.

Do I believe this will have an effect on the way this team is run during, or if there is a 2011 season? It's hard to say now, but judging upon a schedule for next season that is sure to again rank as one of the toughest in the league, a slow start by the team could cause a spiral in the locker room quickly.

For now, I will stick with my beloved Dolphins. I will continue to rock the jersey even at work (used to own a Sammie Smith one…don't ask), and I will sing the fight song even when we are getting smashed by the Patriots. In the words of comedian Daniel Tosh, "I don't cry at small things…I save that for Sundays when I watch my Dolphins play".

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