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From our owner..The letter to his ticket holders..important to read..

Discussion in 'Miami Dolphins Forum' started by djphinfan, Jan 8, 2011.

  1. djphinfan

    djphinfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Just got a email from s. Ross for season tix holders (enjoy)
    LETTER FROM THE OWNER

    To Our Loyal Season Ticket Members,

    The first of the three commitments that I made to all of our fans when I purchased the Miami Dolphins was that I would do everything possible to bring a Super Bowl championship back to South Florida. That, above all else, is what I want for this franchise, for this community and what you, as a season ticket member, deserve.

    So there is no confusion about our recent actions, and because you are entitled to our trust and confidence, I want you to hear directly from me about the evaluation process of the past week.

    Going into the 2010 season, my expectation was that we had a team and an organization that was capable of reaching the Super Bowl. We fell short of that goal and, furthermore, the season was disappointing for a few reasons. We were very aggressive during the offseason and added players and coaches that we believed were the missing pieces to put us over the top. While many of those new faces were outstanding contributors this season, we still fell short in other areas. Additionally, our performance at home was bitterly disappointing. The reasons as to why we played so much better on the road than at home are hard to figure. As a fan myself, I know how frustrating this season was on all of you.

    The results were unacceptable. We hold ourselves to higher standards and have loftier goals for this franchise. We fell short of our mission of returning to the postseason and did not measure up to the high standards we set for ourselves. As a result, I felt it was incumbent upon me to explore options to improve this team.

    I met with Tony Sparano on Monday to discuss the season and understand his plan of what needed to change as we headed into the offseason. I told him that I needed time to digest what I had heard and that I would get back to him with my thoughts later in the week. Meanwhile, I received word that Jim Harbaugh made it clear that his intention was to pursue a career in the NFL. As news reports began to surface on Tuesday that Jim was interviewing with other teams, I made the decision to reach out to Jim to see whether or not he would be a beneficial fit for the organization.

    General Manager Jeff Ireland and I met with Jim on Thursday. At the end of the meeting, I thanked Jim for his time, wished him well and soon let him know that we would not pursue the discussion any further. To be clear, I made no offer to Jim Harbaugh. Reports to the contrary and the associated outrageous financial terms that were rumored with those reports were completely inaccurate. We never spoke to any other coaching candidates, including Bill Cowher, Jon Gruden or any other names that have been rumored to be a candidate.

    Tony Sparano is the best person to lead this team. Tony's contract has been extended through the 2013 season, and I wholeheartedly believe that the combination of Jeff and Tony represents one of the strongest organizations in all of football. I remain committed to supporting them in any way possible and will always provide the financial resources to make us a winner.

    I am obsessed with winning and will do whatever it takes to make us a perennial Super Bowl contender. Many of the model franchises over the course of NFL history have been built on a commitment from ownership to chart a course for the organization, select the right people to execute that strategy and allow them the time to finish what they started. Stability and consistency are two of the most important virtues of ownership.

    I realize your faith in us has been put to the test this week, but I assure you we are well positioned to return to the winning ways that have defined this franchise.

    Let me end by thanking you for hanging in there and supporting us throughout the year despite our struggles at home. For that, we are sincerely grateful. You have my personal and unwavering commitment that we will do our part to create a true home field advantage with your help in the future. Rest assured, there are better days ahead for the Miami Dolphins.

    With sincere thanks and appreciation, Steven Ross.

    I just copied and pasted that, hope I didnt do anything wrong..I'am no reporter linker dude..lol
     
  2. RGF

    RGF THE FINSTER Club Member

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    Interesting. Could the media be THAT far off with what they reported? I mean ALL of them ?? I guess so.
     
  3. PSG

    PSG Clear Eyes. Full Hearts.

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    I want to take him at his word but all I hear in my head when I read that is; blah, blah, blah, back-peddle, back-peddle, back-peddle, blah, blah, blah.
     
    DolfanJake likes this.
  4. Rocky Raccoon

    Rocky Raccoon Greasepaint Ghost Staff Member

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    As bad as things were this week. Kudos to Ross and company for doing everything they can to reach out and make things right.
     
    gafinfan likes this.
  5. GreysonWinfield

    GreysonWinfield Release The Hounds

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    The weatherman is more accurate than 99% of what was reported this week. And that's without knowing if what Ross says is true.
     
  6. djphinfan

    djphinfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    The guy wants whats best for us...

    I'll tell ya whats best for us mr. ''fan vision' Ross..

    OB2..
     
    DolfanJake and Da 'Fins like this.
  7. gunn34

    gunn34 I miss Don & Dan

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    He's still an idiot in my book. He needs to show me more before I jump on his bandwagon.
     
  8. flynryan151

    flynryan151 New Member

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    Yeah Ross you made no offer because you couldn't! You didn't fulfil the Rooney rule and Sparano was still under contract! You under estimate the intelligence and knowledge of your fans base Ross! If you had done your homework prepurchase you would know this fan group has been through this type of side show many times before when Huzienga and his morons bumbled their way through the offseason!

    Your first instinct was correct Sparano must go! Unfortunately you let Ireland in your ear clouding everything Harbaugh a real football coach was telling you!

    The closest you and the two clowns you retained will ever be to a Superbowl in Miami was last year when you hosted one! Not only did you absolutely embarrass the franchise and fans you set this team back another 5 years and when you grow a sack and fire the clowns no respectable coach will work for you!
     
  9. GridIronKing34

    GridIronKing34 Silently Judging You

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    I think he's just a naive owner really... I think he's learned a lot from his process. I think he's committed to bring a winner to Miami (well, another one) and it's hard to dispute that. I think if we hit free agency hard then it will tell a little bit more. We really need to fix that offense line. He'll have to prove himself over the coming weeks, but unlike others... I am not too upset about this past week.

    Being involved with media myself, I know what goes on... 99% of what was said was fabricated bull****. Sports journalism today is more inaccurate the meteorology IMO. And that's saying something..
     
  10. flynryan151

    flynryan151 New Member

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    I think he is an idiot! One more thing not a chance Harbaugh ends the meeting with so Steve what do you think I should do?
     
    DolfanJake likes this.
  11. Rick 1966

    Rick 1966 Professional Hipshooter

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    I don't believe him.
     
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  12. Larryfinfan

    Larryfinfan 17-0...Priceless Club Member

    Absolutely positively...mis-information has been the root of the whole weeks' events, including Ross' mis-information...
     
    DolfanJake likes this.
  13. cubanogrande2001

    cubanogrande2001 New Member

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    Now i have true piece of mind. Im going out to get my season tickets right now..................................not!!!!
     
  14. adamprez2003

    adamprez2003 Senior Member

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    Good thing he didnt go with his first draft of that letter


    LETTER FROM THE OWNER

    To Our Loyal Season Ticket Members,

    The first of the three commitments that I made to all of my accountants when I purchased the Miami Dolphins was that I would do everything possible to bring a respectable return on my over 1 billion dollar investment. That, above all else, is what I want for this franchise, for this community and what you, as a season ticket member, deserve and therefore I will soon be raising ticket prices and concession prices.

    So there is no confusion about our recent actions, and because you are entitled to our trust and confidence, I want you to hear directly from me about the evaluation process of the past week. Basically, I'm a moron when it comes to football matters. This has been confirmed by all the coaches that I have spoken with over the past week. Every single one of them had the same opinion of me.

    Going into the 2010 season, my expectation was that we had a team and an organization that was capable of reaching the Super Bowl. This tells you all you need to know about how much of a moron I am when it comes to football. We fell short of that goal and, furthermore, the season was disappointing for a few reasons. One was the empty seats and drop in concession revenue. We were very aggressive during the offseason and added B and C list celebrities that we thought would attract fans. Much to my surprise these has been celebrities dont interest football fans who seem only to care about the product on the field. While many of those new celebrities were outstanding contributors this season, we still fell short in other areas. Namely the product on the field. The reasons as to why the product matters to you over the celebrity atmosphere I am building here is hard to figure. As a fan of celebrities myself, I have no idea why the season was so frustrating to all of you.

    Bottom line the revenue results were unacceptable. We hold ourselves to higher standards and have loftier goals for this franchise. We fell short of our mission of returning a 30% return on investment and did not measure up to the high standards we set for ourselves. As a result, I felt it was incumbent upon me to explore options to improve this team.

    I met with Tony Sparano on Monday to discuss the season and understand his plan of what needed to change as we headed into the offseason. I told him that I needed time to digest what I had heard and that I would get back to him with my thoughts later in the week. Meanwhile, I received word that Jim Harbaugh made it clear that his intention was to pursue a career in the NFL. As news reports began to surface on Tuesday that Jim was interviewing with other teams, I made the decision to reach out to Jim to see whether or not he would be a beneficial fit for the organization. Basically I saw an opportunity to milk his new found celebrity to bring you into the stadium and spend your hard earned cash

    General Manager Jeff Ireland and I met with Jim on Thursday. At the end of the meeting, I thanked Jim for his time, wished him well and soon let him know that we would pursue the discussion further. He laughed in my face and told me there wasn't a chance he would come unless we bucked up 8 million. To be clear, I made no offer to Jim Harbaugh. I simply couldnt afford his 8 million dollar demands and the contracts I was already paying. The associated outrageous financial terms that were rumored with those reports were completely accurate but as I said I'm on the hook for too much scratch and simply cant afford it. We never spoke to any other coaching candidates, including Bill Cowher, Jon Gruden or any other names that have been rumored to be a candidate. We had Carl Peterson do that.

    Tony Sparano is the best person to lead this team since I cant get anyone else. Tony's contract has been extended through the 2013 season, and I wholeheartedly believe that the combination of Jeff and Tony represents one of the strongest organizations in all of football and if not I'll fire them all next year. I remain committed to getting as many tax breaks as I can from Miami Dade County.

    I am obsessed with winning and that makes me a douchebag since I know nothing about football but will stick my nose in it just to prove to people I am the boss. Many of the model franchises over the course of NFL history have been built on a commitment from football family ownership and not hot shot businessmen. The Mara family, The Rooney family, etc... Compare them to the clowns like Daniel Snyder and its obvious thats where I belong

    I realize your faith in us has been put to the test this week, but I assure you we are well positioned to continue jacking up the prices for the DOLPHINS games and we hope to turn a sizable profit in 2011.

    Let me end by thanking you for hanging in there and supporting us throughout the year despite our struggles at home. For that, we are sincerely grateful. You have my personal and unwavering commitment that we will do our part to create a true home field advantage with your help in the future. Rest assured, there are better days ahead for the Miami Dolphins.

    With sincere thanks and appreciation, Steven Ross.
     
    Last edited: Jan 8, 2011
  15. Killerphins

    Killerphins The Finger

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    Have you seen Jim Harbaugh coach football in the NFL? Well neither have I so there is no way of knowing if he is a REAL football coach at this level. I think it is posters like you and the overzealous media who blew this whole thing way out of proportion. At first it appeared to be a big circus but I don't think things went down the way everyone speculates. You seem to have almost claimed that you were there for it all but I doubt you were. :up:
     
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  16. Coral Reefer

    Coral Reefer Premium Member

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    Personally I like the guy even more now.

    IMO he did everything I would have done in the situation.
    Sure he's doing damage control now just like he has to and he knew he would have to if the other options didn't work out.

    He tried to improve this team period and I applaud the hell out of him for it.
     
  17. flynryan151

    flynryan151 New Member

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    NO I am not so naive as to believe anything this guy is selling after he got his hand caught in the cookie jar! Look at his actions he met with him at the Orange Bowl, then when he hears the 49ers are close to a deal he fires up his Gulfstream IV jet and flies all night to steal Harbaugh. I tend to believe the dozens of reports that Harbaugh got cold feet, all which happened after Mort reported that Ireland is pissing off he NFL inner circle!

    Have you seen Sparano coach? So we know he isn't a real nfl coach! Hey if you are happy with this good for you! You have your view I have mine.
     
  18. brandon27

    brandon27 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Crafty PR work Mr. Ross... very crafty. Give those guys a raise!

    Sadly, we'll never really know what went on this week it seems.
     
    DolfanJake likes this.
  19. BicketyBam

    BicketyBam No Fist Pumps Allowed

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    So is he saying that there was only ONE guy that *might* be a better fit for Miami and that was Harbaugh? Not Gruden and not Cowher?
     
  20. flynryan151

    flynryan151 New Member

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    Omg Coke Zero burns coming out your nose! Thanks Adam
     
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  21. bluehaze

    bluehaze New Member

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    People make too big a deal of it all, the guy hopped on a plane and went to talk to Harbaugh. In the old days noone would have even realized it happened but nowadays because some stalker tracked his plane and set the rumor mill on fire via the internet all of a sudden the world is coming to an end for the Dolphins organization...

    Before this all happened it seemed a perfectly reasonable thing to keep Sparano here and just try and find a new OC and QB coach rather than dismantle the whole team and start over with a new HC. Really doesn't seem like much has changed to warrant all the craziness that ensued over the past few days.
     
  22. NYFinFan

    NYFinFan Member

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    This might be a little off topic but I've been interested for a couple years on season tickets. Ballpark, how much would they come out to be when all is said and done?
     
  23. Ohio Fanatic

    Ohio Fanatic Twuaddle or bust Club Member

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    But what if you are naive enough to believe all the media reports that were based on zero evidence?
     
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  24. RoninFin4

    RoninFin4 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    If he really meant that, I don't think Tony Sparano would (or should in my opinion) be the coach of the Miami Dolphins. And now he supposedly has more say in personnel decisions...I can't get on board with this until I see some W's on the field, especially multiple W's at home.
     
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  25. flynryan151

    flynryan151 New Member

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    Like I said you have your vied I have mine. Ross wanted Harbaugh that is why he went to Cali. He didn't get him and now it is cya! Of course he can't admit to an offer because by league rule he couldn't make one! By the way the media that were allowed in the food for the presser all tell a different tale about Ross and his body language.

    Bottomline is we will never know the real truth, but I for one am not going to believe the words of the guy that caused the drama!
     
  26. Coral Reefer

    Coral Reefer Premium Member

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    This is where I have a problem with Ross.

    It seems he offered this shared power over personnel as a peace offering to Sparano rather than sticking to his guns.
    He didn't need to offer a peace offering like that.
    The extension was enough.
    He doubts his coach and was looking for a better option.
    No apology necessary and giving MORE power to the coach you doubt is idiotic.
     
  27. the 23rd

    the 23rd a.k.a. Rio

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    Ross seems straight up enough to me.
    opened the the way to some clarity on the issue
    up next: OC & QB, then a couple of offensive linesmen & a RB.
    its been disappointing but with his letter
    I honestly feel better about the overall situation.

    may we do well in the draft & free-agency
     
  28. YS78

    YS78 New Member

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    " Going into the 2010 season, my expectation was that we had a team and an organization that was capable of reaching the Super Bowl "

    you must be kidding me !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    from what i see he still thinks in 2011 we will make it to the SB

    now after this soap opera im sure about my decision

    im not renewing my tickets..

    F**K you Ross !!!!!!!!!!!!!
     
    DolfanJake likes this.
  29. the 23rd

    the 23rd a.k.a. Rio

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    Friend YS78:
    what to do? this is our team, lets hope for the best.
    up next: OC & QB, then a couple of offensive linesmen & a RB.

    got to play the hand you're dealt
    or fold & walk away from the table.
    simple enough, either you're in or you're out
    personally
    I've got a life time invested in this game
    Miami Dolphins #1:dolphin:
     
    djphinfan likes this.
  30. smahtaz

    smahtaz Pimpin Ain't Easy

    Well, he did cough up some big bucks for a 1,000 yd reciever and a damn fine ILB. It's been a long time since we've had either.
     
    The Rev likes this.
  31. finserg

    finserg Well-Known Member

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    I would also point out that the competition is Nowere near as in our division.
    The 49ers was a better fit.
     
  32. djphinfan

    djphinfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    We know we need to get some explosiveness, but I dont want our owner giving his opinion about philosophy on offense...stfu.
     
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  33. Shamboubou

    Shamboubou Well-Known Member

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    Or Sparano said, we needed a speed reciever with some hands and guts, then they went out and got Brandon Marshall. The FO just didn't get the pieces that we needed to fit. Sparano gets more control now so he can get the players he needs.

    I just hope somebody uses their freaking brain when it comes to the offensive coordinator. We gotta get points on the board.
     
  34. djphinfan

    djphinfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    you gotta give the guy a break man no?, i mean look at what the hell he inherited and the predacament's he was put in by his ''prior to arrival disfunctional front office..The guy was kickin a tire man..He had to, he could'nt just sign Tony to an extension after seeing the team he inherited go 1 and 7 at home.

    I respect Tony Sparano, he made no excuse's and showed a different type of intelligence keeping his mouth shut and showing great loyalty to his team.I think the guy has got more street smarts than people give him credit for.
     
  35. Clipse

    Clipse mediocrity sucks

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    I thought he was an idiot before, this confirms it. Not offering Jim Harbaugh. Not speaking to Cowher or Gruden. Thinks Sparano and Ireland make up one of the best organizations in football. What a clown Ross is.
     
    DolfanJake likes this.
  36. Da 'Fins

    Da 'Fins Season Ticket Holder Staff Member Club Member

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    I really have no problem with Ross talking to Harbaugh. I'm sorry but in a Billion dollar business - when you pay a Billion dollars for a team and more for a crappy stadium, you expect your coach (the prime employee in your firm) to do better. And, when you are paying a guy nearly $3 million per year (in fact, with the FL tax system, Sparano is basically making over $3 million - though Ross isn't paying that - relative to most other coaches); Tony better do a better job and he need not feel sorry for himself over Ross looking at another candidate while he decide Sparano's fate when he didn't get the job done the last two seasons. I'm not opposed to TS but he put himself in this position.

    Honestly, I thought Ross was a bit too soft & feeble acting yesterday. That said, I think he does want to win and I appreciate what he did.

    Let me just make this crystal clear: had Ross decided to go with Harbaugh after talking with him (fired Sparano and interviewed another candidate) and had Harbaugh brought a big time winner to Miami and actually won a SB in the next 3-4 seasons, not a single fan on here who complained vociferously over Ross' actions would be complaining then.

    Ultimately, to make money in SoFlo, with the fans becoming jaded by the failed coaches and GMs over the past 15 years, Ross has to build a winner.
     
  37. djphinfan

    djphinfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    I give him a break on the issue of, his so called leader of football operations bailed on him preseason.

    Imagine Ross hearing that his inherited GM just asked a player if his mom was a whore.?..lol..

    Then to see them go 1 and 9 at home where your trying to change things against an undefensible opponent..{stadium}

    They got 1 more year to show the talent to inspire a football team and town.
     
  38. GMJohnson

    GMJohnson New Member

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    Hell yeah. If he was smart like you, what he'd have done is come out and said he offered the job to John, Jim and Bill, who all turned him down and that he was stuck with Tony, who he really never wanted to keep but has no choice at this point.
     
  39. Garryowen

    Garryowen New Member

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    I'm as skeptical hippo as most, but, what's said here makes sense to me.

    Lets remember how much absolute BS and nonsense that was in the wind.

    The way he puts it? I'm buying it. It's a well constructed letter too. I hope
    the press in SOFLA is looking on....Omar, I'm talking to you.

    ETA; Remember when I was saying there was no way Harbaugh wasn't going to get the
    SF job? Yeah. Seriously...No other option made any sense, includeing Miami.
     
  40. Garryowen

    Garryowen New Member

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    What happened the last time we got a hot shot college HC to run our team?

    I'd also venture to say that Saban is better than Harbaugh.

    We dodged a bullet.
     

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