Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross yesterday during a speech to the Palm Beach Civic Association suggested that new coach Adam Gase "has only three seasons to win," according to Jeff Ostrowski of the PALM BEACH POST. Ross said, "After three years, if we haven't made the playoffs, we're looking for a new coach. That's just the way it is. The fans want it" (PALMBEACHPOST.com, 2/15). The Dolphins were quick to distance themselves from the comment, as in Miami, Adam Beasley cited "associates" of Ross as saying that he "was speaking broadly about NFL trends, and not Adam Gase specifically." Gase last month signed a five-year contract with the team, and the Dolphins "do not see his employment through the lens of a three-year window" (MIAMIHERALD.com, 2/15). Despite the Dolphins' response, the South Florida SUN-SENTINEL's Chris Perkins writes Ross did not "put his foot in his mouth" with the comment. Perkins: "How many Dolphins fans would be happy with Gase in 2019 if the team has stretched its playoff drought to 10 consecutive years?" He also notes he is "not necessarily taking Ross literally," as things "could change in unexpected ways." But he writes, "There's no doubt Gase, at the very least, would be on the hot seat if the Dolphins don't make the playoffs for the next three years" (SUN-SENTINEL.com, 2/16).
OTHER ISSUES: The POST's Ostrowski noted in addition to his coaching comments, Ross addressed several other hot-button NFL issues. He mentioned the safety issues around football, saying, "If I had a child, I'd let him play." He added, "The New York Times is doing everything they can to kill the National Football League." Ross, who created the Int'l Champions Cup soccer tournament, said that soccer is "unlikely to rival the NFL" in the U.S. He said, "I don't think it will become a major spectator sport in this country for a long period of time" (PALMBEACHPOST.com, 2/15).
