Watch CBS News

Philbin: Chad Johnson Just Didn't Fit

DAVIE (CBSMiami) – The Miami Dolphins are a team in a bit of disarray Monday after former receiver Chad Johnson's arrest and subsequent release from the team over the weekend.

It was the first major controversy head coach Joe Philbin faced in his new job and after initially saying he wouldn't talk about it during a Monday morning press conference; Philbin opened up a bit on the decision.

"It was not an easy one," Philbin said on the decision to cut Johnson. "And not one that was made based on one single incident."

Coach Philbin continued, "It was more a body of evidence from June 11 going forward. I was very clear (to Johnson) about the expectations of the program. It was more about the fit. I just didn't feel like it was going to work."

The decision left the Dolphins struggling to find consistency in the wide receiving corps beyond starter Davone Bess. Philbin said the team was confident in the receivers on the roster right now, but didn't deny the team would always be looking to get better.

"I'm sure Jeff (Ireland) and his staff are considering anybody and everybody," Philbin said. "We're confident we're going to get good receiver play."

Overall, Philbin's first major decision was tough, but he's handled it well. The only thing Philbin seemed a little bit upset about the comments middle linebacker Karlos Dansby made Monday morning on the radio.

"I believe this. You have a boss, I have a boss. I don't always agree with the boss," Philbin said. "I believe we should keep stuff like this in house."

As the team moves forward, Dolphins players may not follow the lead of Dansby because one thing that was clear after the Monday morning press conference was that Philbin was in total control of the team.

"It (decision to cut Johnson) wasn't done to send a message," Philbin said. "It was done because it feel like, to me, that the fit was going to be right for the organization."

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.