Not Good...

Culpepper deserves better than this

By GREG COTE

gcote@MiamiHerald.com

The Dolphins' handling of Daunte Culpepper a year ago was bad enough -- ill-fated coach Nick Saban blindly wishing and allowing his mending quarterback into action before he was physically ready.

The Dolphins' handling of Culpepper under new coach Cam Cameron has been worse. Much. Bungled every which way.

We'd have thought it impossible for Saban to look good by comparison under any circumstance, but he does in this instance if only from the magnitude of wrong in the way Culpepper has been treated by the new administration.

It has been senseless from start to acrimonious end.

It has been grossly unfair to Culpepper.

It has levied a public relations mess upon the franchise.

It has worked on team chemistry like battery acid on flesh.

It has defied logic in terms of trying to make this team better.

We've questioned and doubted only one other major move of the Cameron regime: drafting receiver/returner Ted Ginn Jr. over quarterback Brady Quinn. In that case we'd at least admit it cannot be known for sure how wise or dumb that choice was until each man's NFL future has begun to define itself.

In this case we needn't wait to suggest the club's mishandling of Culpepper merits reproach on all fronts.

There was no surprise whatever in Tuesday's development in the saga -- the NFL Players Association filing a grievance against the Dolphins on behalf of Culpepper.

Leave it to the lawyers to figure out whether Culpepper's contract was violated when, on Friday, he reportedly was not permitted to practice with the team even after his and the club's doctors had cleared him physically to do so.

No law degree is required, though, to know the Dolphins would lose any grievance if the charge was a lack of simple fairness.

Culpepper has done enough in this league -- averaged 26 touchdown passes in his five healthy seasons -- to have merited at least a chance to win the starting job.

He has sweated enough in his arduous rehabilitation from his Oct. 30, 2005 injury to have damn well earned that chance.

Isn't competition at a position what makes teams better?

So why wouldn't you invite competition at your most important position?

Why would you hand the job to a man, in Trent Green, turning 37 and coming off a concussion-ruined season rather than make it an open battle between him and a man, in Culpepper, who is much younger, of a stronger arm, and so keenly motivated to prove all of his doubters wrong?

It's an affront to logic.

Maybe that's partly why FoxSports.com, in its new NFL rankings that put the Dolphins 27th of 32, calls Miami ``one of the more curious teams in the league.''

Even presuming Cameron knows more than the rest of us -- such as Green having a better grasp of the playbook, perhaps, or a conviction that Culpepper will never be as mobile as before -- why not see for sure across training camp and into the preseason?

Hey, you might be pleasantly surprised! Culpepper might be close to his near-MVP form of 2004. If not, at least there would have been the appearance of fairness. At least your players would be allowed to feel Culpepper was treated right -- that, in turn, they might be, too, if recovering from a serious injury.

Be assured that veterans on this team, locker room leaders, believe Culpepper deserves a chance. If only they would be brave enough to speak publicly as they have in private. If only the team's NFLPA representative, Jay Feely, had the gumption to say this situation smells -- that a player who toughs through some 20 months of rehabilitation, any player who does, deserves better than Culpepper has gotten.

The quarterback's frustration here is justified. You can understand his wanting his immediate release in lieu of a fair shot. You can even understand his trying to force that by threatening to make a trade all but impossible by refusing to renegotiate his contract.

After the way the Dolphins have treated Culpepper?

Any form of hardball coming back at the club -- the player's public noise, his threat to stop a trade, the grievance filed Tuesday, all of it -- is richly deserved.

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Rookies Impress

Ginn, Satele impress at minicamp

BY SARAH ROTHSCHILD

srothschild@MiamiHerald.com

The Dolphins saw underwhelming performances from several of their 2006 draft picks last season, but after the completion of minicamp Sunday, Cam Cameron had high praise for two rookies -- Ted Ginn and Samson Satele.

Ginn, the ninth pick in the draft, finished his first minicamp, and spent five practices sharing time as a return specialist and wide receiver since Friday. Satele, selected in the second round (60th overall), took snaps as the starting center.

Ginn is about 90 percent healthy after sustaining a foot sprain five months ago, but that didn't slow him. The former Ohio State standout showed speed as a returner, and routinely breezed past the secondary in passing drills.

''He was everything I thought he was and then some,'' Cameron said.

Cameron, who has a rule about not making comparisons, couldn't help but liken Ginn to a star wide receiver he coached as an assistant at the University of Michigan.

He blurted ''Des-,'' before stopping short of saying Desmond Howard, a Heisman Trophy winner at Michigan who went on to become a Super Bowl MVP with the Green Bay Packers in 1996 and a Pro Bowl player in 2000. Cameron relented and said, ``You mean Desmond . . . there are some legit comparisons.''

Cameron said Ginn's ability to handle returning punts and kickoffs in ''tough weather'' is a major plus, as is his prowess on special teams.

''There are a ton of receivers in this league who have no interest in being that punt returner,'' Cameron said.

He also was struck by how Ginn seems to catch the ball ``so effortlessly.''

Cameron characterized Ginn's development at receiver as a ``work in progress.''

Ginn, who has not spent most of his career as a receiver, needs to work on routes and technique.

''We're trying to make it as hard on him as we can,'' Cameron said. ``We're putting him on the line of scrimmage where he can't move. The worst thing we can do for him is to start moving him around and doing all the stuff where he can get free access.''

Cameron said Satele, a former University of Hawaii offensive lineman, demonstrated grit. In the past week, Cameron said Satele had five root canals, something this 6-3, 300-pounder didn't initially reveal.

''He never flinched, never said a word,'' Cameron said. ``I have never been around a guy that practiced a whole practice with one root canal. One thing we know is he is smart and he's tough, which goes a long way at that position. We're very pleased with his progress.''

PORTER ACHING

Linebacker Joey Porter did not participate in Sunday's minicamp because of back spasms, Porter and Cameron said. Porter began the practice icing his right knee -- the same knee he wore a brace on Friday and Saturday.

Cameron said Porter looked ''outstanding'' this weekend and let him rest as a precautionary measure.

NOTABLE

Defensive tackle Chase Page did not practice and rode a bike because of what Cameron characterized as a hamstring tweak.

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Hagan One Year Wiser

Dolphins receiver Hagan one year wiser

Second-year receiver Derek Hagan is displaying his ability in minicamp, and coach Cam Cameron likes what he sees.

BY SARAH ROTHSCHILD

srothschild@MiamiHerald.com

JOE RIMKUS JR. / MIAMI HERALD STAFF

Dolphins receiver Derek Hagan is hoping to build on a 21-catch rookie campaig. Hagan 'can make catches I've never seen before,' according to coach Cam Cameron.

• Dolphins June mini camp
• Greg Cote's blog | Fading Marlins, dealing Daunte and more
• Enough already: Cut Culpepper
• Ginn, Satele impress at minicamp

Wide receiver Derek Hagan spent last season as the fourth wide receiver on a Dolphins team that primarily used three. Now, with a new offensive-minded coach and a year of NFL experience, Hagan has a clearer shot at being one of the Dolphins' top three receivers.

During the third day of the Dolphins' final minicamp, Hagan showed glimpses of his talent. Hagan, the Dolphins' third-round pick in the 2006 draft, made several acrobatic catches, including one where he leapt in the back of the end zone and fell backward on a 20-yard pass from Cleo Lemon. For the record, referees ruled the catch out of bounds during a drill, but it had coach Cam Cameron buzzing.

''One thing I noticed about Derek, he can make catches I've never seen before,'' Cameron said Sunday. ``I'm really growing to appreciate Derek, and the reason I say that is if you could pick one guy that I'm on every second of every day it's Derek. I see something in him that I'm not sure he sees in himself.''

UP AND DOWN

Cameron said he's impressed by Hagan's ability to make spectacular catches, but would like to see the former Arizona State star show consistency.

On the play after Hagan's dazzling catch, Lemon threw the same route, but this time it resulted in a drop. Cameron said Hagan's issue is not his hands.

''He'll turn around and drop the one you and I can catch,'' Cameron said.

The solution?

''What do you catch the football with? You catch the ball with your eyes,'' Cameron said. ``Most guys think it's about their hands. Derek just has to be more disciplined at looking the ball. You are not the all-time Pac-10 reception leader if you can't catch a ball.''

As a rookie last year, Hagan played as a reserve in all 16 games, and had 21 receptions for 221 yards and one touchdown.

''I was still learning, every game we had, every practice we had,'' Hagan said.

Cameron said he sees a gem, and that's part of the reason he constantly pushes Hagan to improve. Cameron, a former wide receivers coach at the University of Michigan and San Diego Chargers offensive coordinator, has made a point of harping on Hagan during minicamp. He has offered both praise and constructive criticism.

Wide receiver Chris Chambers has noticed a different Hagan this offseason.

HARD WORK

''He's a lot more confident,'' Chambers said. ``He was a rookie last year, and for a receiver usually you don't come along for two or three years. He's worked extremely hard, he has his ups and downs but he always bounces back, and that's what makes him a good player.''

This offseason, Hagan said he has focused on honing his fundamentals, and said he expects to increase his production. He said those gains will come from his work ethic, whether that means arriving at the Dolphins facility before offseason workouts or staying afterward to reach 1,000 catches a day.

Hagan showed promise with the Dolphins almost a year ago. He had a strong training camp and competed to be the No. 3 receiver, but that role went to Wes Welker, who led the Dolphins' wide receivers with 67 catches. In his first five games, Hagan had only two receptions.

''When you're coming in as a rookie you're working hard, but the coaches expect you to drop off sooner or later,'' Hagan said.

``I thought I was all right, but things didn't go as well as we wanted.''

Even his high points, Hagan said, seemed meaningless because of the team's offensive struggles, and also its 6-10 record.

He caught a career-high six receptions for 66 yards against the Jets on Oct. 15 in a three-point loss.

The next week against Green Bay, he had five catches for 53 yards and scored his first touchdown on a Joey Harrington pass. That, too, seemed like a footnote.

''I was happy but we still lost the game, so it didn't matter that I scored,'' Hagan said. ``We still lost, I wasn't thinking about my touchdown, I was thinking about losing to the Green Bay Packers.''

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NFLPA

NFLPA to file grievance against Dolphins

By Greg A. Bedard

Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Monday, June 11, 2007

The Daunte Culpepper saga is about to get the feel of a legal drama.

The NFL Players' Association said Monday it will file a grievance against the Miami Dolphins on behalf of quarterback Daunte Culpepper by the end of the week - possibly by Tuesday morning.

Richard Berthelsen, the union's general counsel, said the NFLPA will argue that the Dolphins violated the terms of Culpepper's contract when they told him Friday that he would not be allowed to practice with the team.

"The first paragraph of the player contract says, 'Club employs player as a skilled football player,'" Berthelsen said. "A club that refuses to allow a player to practice is not letting them do their job "The situation is just not right. They are, in effect, breaching his contract by refusing to employ him. He either has a right to be employed there or elsewhere and we're going to do everything we can to make sure that result occurs." Both the Dolphins and the NFL said they will have no comment until the grievance is filed.

Since the Dolphins have just two off-season practices left this week, Culpepper's only hope is that the grievance will be heard and ruled on by the time training camp begins in late July.

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Defient

Culpepper remains defiant over trade

BY DAVID J. NEAL

dneal@MiamiHerald.com

 

Daunte Culpepper's relationship with the Dolphins grew worse as the team would not allow him to take part in any minicamp drills.

Daunte Culpepper, unwanted now that he's finally medically cleared to practice, was told he couldn't do any drills and walked off the field.

Trent Green, whose leadership skills were roundly extolled by teammates, said he was a follower on his first day as the new kid on the block.

Meanwhile, coach Cam Cameron wouldn't discuss the quarterback situation because the team was working on a trade Culpepper said he wouldn't accept.

You couldn't say the Culpepper-Green Quarterback Saga didn't make Friday much more interesting than the typical minicamp day of big men in helmets and no pads.

''I will not agree to any trade,'' Culpepper said. ``If I'm traded, ultimately my contract has to be restructured and I will not restructure it.''

Culpepper said he has had conversations with NFL teams but didn't elaborate on which ones.

Culpepper said that about an hour after leaving the field, with a half hour left in practice, and about 20 minutes after Cameron said general manager Randy Mueller was working on trading Culpepper. The Dolphins spent most of Thursday making calls about Culpepper but had not drawn any interest.

GETTING ACQUAINTED

As for Green, he just tried to fit in on his first day.

''Today, I didn't really know the routine in practice,'' Green said. ``[Quarterbacks coach] Terry [Shea] and I covered it a little bit in a meeting, how the flow of things was going to go, what the rotation was going to be like. I kind of just followed along. Once I get the hang of that, then you can be more assertive.''

Green said he and Culpepper talked before practice, but mostly about knees. Culpepper ripped up his anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments, and cartilage Oct. 30, 2005. Green did the same to his left knee in 1999 while with St. Louis.

''We stayed away from the other stuff,'' Green said.

According to Culpepper, the coaching staff put ''the other stuff'' out there for full team consumption Friday morning.

''I was told this morning in front of the whole team, at the team meeting that I won't be here,'' Culpepper said. ``I wasn't able to really participate in anything in practice today. When I was told it, I thought I would at least be able to do some one-on-ones because I said before, I was going to come here to test my knee out, get a good feel of how I feel.''

All appeared fine as the five quarterbacks -- the two former Pro Bowlers plus Cleo Lemon, 2007 second-round pick John Beck and free agent Gibran Hamdan -- went through pitch-and-catch drills early in practice.

Then, the team split into seven-on-nine drills on the north field and passing drills on the south field. Lemon and Green went with most of the players over to the north field while the other three quarterbacks stayed on the south field.

Suddenly, as Green worked with the second-team offense in the seven-on-nine drills, Culpepper started off the south field. As he crossed onto the north field, he turned and shouted something over his left shoulder with his left arm spread wide.

NO REPS FOR DAUNTE

''I was told right before the one-on-ones that I wouldn't get any reps, by my quarterbacks coach, which was a message from somebody above him,'' Culpepper said.

''I just thought maybe that was routine,'' Green said. ``From what I understand, he's mainly been doing the individual stuff not the team stuff. Once the individual stuff was done, I figured he was just going to rehab.''

As Culpepper crossed the west end of the north field, he was met by Dolphins security chief Stu Weinstein. The two walked toward the locker room. A shout of ''Daunte!'' from the stands drew a look and wave from Culpepper. Weinstein went into the locker room, and he came out, Culpepper entered and went to the weight room.

''I'm done with the on-the-field stuff,'' Culpepper said. ``I tested my knee, I did what I wanted to do. I've still got a ways to go; that's why I'm going to continue to physically rehab my knee and continue to get myself in the best shape possible.''

Defensive tackle Vonnie Holliday called Culpepper ''a class guy, a class act,'' and predicted Culpepper will again be an upper-crust player. Holliday also had good words for Green, with whom he shared a sideline in Kansas City.

''[Green is] a guy who's really respected by his teammates, as well as peers throughout the league,'' Holliday said. ``Probably one of the most underappreciated quarterbacks over the last decade. A guy who comes in and is a leader. We need that right now. It's great to have a quarterback who's healthy so our offense can start to jell.''

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Green's Team?

It's Trent Green's team now

BY ARMANDO SALGUERO

asalguero@MiamiHerald.com

Take a deep breath because Friday's bedlam surely was enough activity to leave anyone thoroughly winded.

There was the trade to move Daunte Culpepper the Dolphins were trying to make, which was not completed before the erstwhile quarterback coaxed his way onto the practice field for the first time in six months, then followed that surprise appearance with a dramatic walk off the field after only 60 minutes, which was followed by him saying he was lied to and that he would not accept any trade.

It was a soap opera in cleats and it pretty much involved every player on the Dolphins roster, seeing as Culpepper said coaches announced his pending end of days with Miami in front of the entire squad during a morning meeting.

But amid all the drama surrounding Culpepper and the coming collision between his desire to be released and the team's desire to trade him, it should be noted the Dolphins accomplished one significant thing.

They settled their quarterback position.

It doesn't matter that Culpepper is still casting a shadow over this franchise. It doesn't matter that Cleo Lemon was still taking the first-team snaps. It doesn't even matter whether Paris Hilton is in or out of jail.

MAIN POINT

All that matters is that Trent Green was on the field for the first time, and he's going to be Miami's starting quarterback in 2007.

Worry about Culpepper's fate, if you like. Worry about uncertainty at some other position, if you must. But quarterback?

No worries for now.

Cam Cameron, the Sherpa picked to guide Miami to the offensive mountaintop, wasn't feeling great about the quarterback position a few days ago.

Asked Friday if the change in personnel has changed his mind, Cameron responded with an emphatic, ``Yes.''

''Anytime you are fortunate -- and let's realize how fortunate we now are to have a proven winner who is a veteran as a part of our team -- I think that can be nothing but a plus,'' Cameron said. ``Why? You know what I believe. It's a leadership position. It starts with that. It's a toughness position. It's a mental position. Everything is gravy after that. And [Green has] exhibited over an extended period of time those characteristics.''

Green, in his familiar No. 10, didn't exactly take over in his first practice. He doesn't know all his teammates and hasn't really bonded with any of them. He's also filling in the missing pieces of the offensive system because Cameron has changed approximately ''10 to 15 percent'' of the scheme's terminology since he and Green last worked together in 1996.

But it will not take long before Green is the star and leader of Miami's offense.

''I think there's great potential for this offense,'' Green said. ``This is an offense I've been in my whole career so I believe in this system. I know it can work. I know that there are ways to have success in this offense by putting guys in position to have success.

``And that is something that Cam and I have communicated about.''

That doesn't mean there aren't questions to be answered. Green soon will be 37 years old and would have to be a physical marvel to have his latter days surpass his former. He also won't have the benefit of playing behind one of the best offensive lines in the NFL as he did in Kansas City.

But none of that will keep him from succeeding more than any Miami quarterback has since Dan Marino retired.

UPGRADE AT QB

Green is today a more talented quarterback than gritty Jay Fiedler or goofy A.J. Feeley. He is more accurate than inconsistent Gus Frerotte. He is a known quality, which Sage Rosenfels still is not. And, despite his concussion of a season ago, Green is still a lower injury risk than Culpepper.

Cameron says there is nothing Green cannot do now that he could do four or five years ago, when, incidentally, Green was starting a run of three consecutive 4,000-yard passing seasons.

And that little issue of protection?

Green thinks Miami's unsettled line will nonetheless be good enough to help him succeed.

''I think so,'' he said. ''If you look at San Diego's offense the last couple of years, you don't have that Willie Roaf or Will Shields type -- the perennial 10- or 11-year Pro Bowl players,'' he said. ``You had guys that are still making names for themselves. I think it's been proven that you can have success with unproven guys and with the scheme, the coaching and obviously with the talent level, there's definitely an [opportunity] for having success on this offense.''

That ultimately is what the Dolphins were trying to do Friday amid the drama -- ensure some level of offensive success in 2007.

To that end, Culpepper walking off the field for the last time after a practice was nothing more than a distraction, while Green walking on the field for the first time was the real attraction.

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Practice Info

Dolphins WR Ginn practices; tackle Toledo set for surgery

By Alex Marvez
Sun-Sentinel.com
Posted June 8 2007, 1:40 PM EDT

 

DAVIE – Dolphins wide receiver Ted Ginn participated in his first Dolphins minicamp practice on Friday, but the injury news wasn't as good for backup tackle Joe Toledo. Dolphins coach Cam Cameron said Toledo will require surgery to repair a broken bone in his foot. Cameron didn't provide a detailed account of the injury or a timetable for Toledo's expected return. Cameron said Ginn is "90-plus" percent recovered from a sprained foot that he initially suffered in January while playing at Ohio State. Ginn, who was the No. 9 overall selection in April's draft, worked as the Dolphins' first-team punt returner during this morning's practice and should also see action as the first-team kickoff returner later in the minicamp. A 2006 fourth-round pick, Toledo spent all of last season on injured reserve with a knee injury but then hurt his foot in December when slipping while stepping out of a hot tub. Toledo was considered a potential starter at guard last season but was shifted earlier this offseason to tackle, which is where he played as a senior at the University of Washington. Backup tackle Anthony Alabi also missed practice while recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery he had in April. Cameron said Alabi is expected to be recovered for the start of training camp in late July.

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Culpepper bites back

Quarterback hurls criticisms, bemoans team's 'impatience'

In his latest demand to be released, Daunte Culpepper on Thursday publically blamed the Dolphins for the first time.

BY JEFF DARLINGTON

jdarlington@MiamiHerald.com

JARED LAZARUS / MIAMI HERALD STAFF

Dolphins quarterback Daunte Culpepper listens to fans heckling him as the final seconds of the game tick off at New England last season.

• Greg Cote's blog | Green in, Culpepper done
• Green jumping right in

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In another public demand to be released rather than traded, Dolphins quarterback Daunte Culpepper on Thursday expressed his first public criticism of the organization for its decision to ''rush'' him into action at the start of last season.

''I must say the impatience the organization displayed in both encouraging me to rush back on the field last year and then rushing me out the door this year is disappointing,'' Culpepper said in an e-mail. ``However, I understand that they have the right to make that business decision. It is now my turn to make some decisions.''

Among those decisions, Culpepper has told the team he intends to participate in today's minicamp if he isn't released -- which puts the Dolphins in a tricky situation because they would be responsible for his $5.5 million salary next year if he is injured.

Culpepper delivered a letter to coach Cam Cameron and general manager Randy Mueller on Thursday in which he wrote that his release would allow him to go through the proper courtship with a potential suitor.

''I feel it is necessary to obtain a release rather than seek a trade so that I would not bring the excess baggage of my present contract to a new team,'' Culpepper said. ``I feel like my next team should have the opportunity to get to know me as a man and a player before they make any long-term commitment.''

The Jacksonville Jaguars and the Detroit Lions could be the most intriguing destinations for Culpepper. A trade, however, has not yet been completed, although his release could come as soon as today.

The Dolphins did grant Culpepper, who acts as his own agent, permission to speak to other teams. He did not acknowledge whether he had indeed begun marketing himself.

Culpepper's criticism of the Dolphins comes as somewhat of a surprise, considering that he often spoke anxiously last year about hoping for the opportunity to play as soon as possible. After four games, former coach Nick Saban decided the team had made the wrong decision by starting him, replacing Culpepper with Joey Harrington.

However, now Culpepper has clearly grown tired of the antics of the organization where he spent just one year.

''Even though it is frustrating, I had prepared myself for the possibility that I would not be given an opportunity to compete here since the week before this year's NFL Draft,'' Culpepper said. ``At that time it became obvious to me that my desire to compete would not trump established relationships.''

SOLIAI SIGNS

The Dolphins signed the sixth of their 10 draft picks, with defensive tackle Paul Soliai (fourth round) getting a four-year deal Thursday. Quarterback John Beck, receiver Ted Ginn, center Samson Satele and center Drew Mormino are unsigned.

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Green...

Green jumping right in

Even though it was only new quarterback Trent Green's first day in South Florida, he still had time to begin watching film.

BY JEFF DARLINGTON

jdarlington@MiamiHerald.com

Wilfredo Lee / AP Photo

Miami Dolphins quarterback Trent Green smiles as he answers questions during a news conference Wednesday after the announcement of a deal in which Miami acquired him from the Kansas City Chiefs for a fifth-round draft pick in 2008.

• Greg Cote's blog | Green in, Culpepper done
• Quarterback hurls criticisms, bemoans team's 'impatience'

IF YOU GO

• What: Dolphins Minicamp

• When: Today, Saturday, Sunday

• Times: Today, 10:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.-5:15 p.m.; Saturday, 10:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.-5:15 p.m.; Sunday, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

• Admission: Free

• Where: Nova Southeastern University training facility, 7500 S.W. 30th St., Davie

• Directions: Parking for fans for all three days is available at the Nova Southeastern University Medical School garage in Davie, located on the east side of University Drive, just south of S.W. 30th Street. Access to the garage is from either University Drive or S.W. 30th St.

He had been inside his new facility for a few hours by this point, maybe six at the most. Already took his physical. Met a few coaches. Even chatted with a couple of players.

No doubt, during Dolphins quarterback Trent Green's first day in South Florida, he was whisked from one stop to the next with few moments to spare. Surely, Green hadn't had a chance to focus on football yet, right?

''After watching film today,'' Green said during his introductory news conference Wednesday, ``Ronnie [Brown] has a lot better hands than I thought.''

Wait just a second, Trent. Did you just say something about watching film?

''Oh, yeah,'' Green said. ``I've already watched an hour or so of the practices that have been going on the last few days just to kind of get to know my teammates.''

Not exactly the typical new orientation. Then again, Green isn't exactly the typical new player. As a 13-year NFL veteran who has been waiting three long months for his eventual arrival, Green simply doesn't feel much of a need for Orientation 101.

So when the new quarterback takes the field for the first time today at the team's final offseason minicamp at 10:45 a.m., don't expect to see Green looking for any lessons on where to go or what to do.

The situation is simple: Green means go.

''There has been urgency on my part since the Chiefs made it known they didn't want me back,'' Green said. ``So yeah, I've had some urgency for a while.''

It's also clear the Dolphins are just as excited to have Green ready to compete at today's minicamp. Had he not made it into town by this weekend -- or if a deal had gotten done even a day later -- Green might not have had this opportunity.

That said, coach Cam Cameron said the timing was strictly coincidence.

''It's positive that he's here,'' Cameron said. ``We have a minicamp coming up that we had scheduled and a few more [organized team activities]. I think Trent knows he can benefit from those, but had it not worked out this week it could have worked out down the road.''

Yes, Green probably could have afforded to miss this weekend's minicamp, especially as a longtime veteran in the league. Not to mention, he's already familiar with quarterbacks coach Terry Shea from his stint in Kansas City -- and Cameron from an earlier stint in Washington.

''It's probably about 80-85 percent the same terminology,'' Green said. 'It's all the same offense. It's like how part of the country calls it `soda' and part of it calls it 'pop.' ''

Though Green was unable to study a Dolphins playbook in Kansas City -- even when it appeared his arrival was inevitable -- he was able to occasionally talk to Shea about what to expect.

'Terry had just expressed to me, `Trent, you are not going to have a problem when you get here,' '' Green said.

More important, it will be critical for Green to begin connecting with his wide receivers, especially Chris Chambers. Because of the constant carousel at quarterback in Miami, it has been difficult for the team's star wide receiver to ever grow comfortable with a quarterback.

That chemistry will be critical to the success of Green, Chambers -- and ultimately, the Dolphins' record next season.

''I think the potential is great,'' Green said. ``Chris Chambers obviously has been to a Pro Bowl and has played at very high level. I've known Chris for a couple of years.''

And now, he'll get to throw to him, too. Throws that Green can't wait to make.

''I'm just excited to be down here,'' Green said. ``I'm looking forward to the minicamp this weekend, getting to know my teammates and get to be a part of something really special.''

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Culpepper News

Culpepper not allowed to compete

BY SARAH ROTHSCHILD AND DAVID J. NEAL

srothschild@MiamiHerald.com

Daunte Culpepper addressed his situation with the Dolphins after Friday morning's mini-camp practice, saying, ``I definitely expect to be released. I will not be traded.

''I will not agree to any trade,'' he said. ``If I'm traded, ultimately my contract has to be restructured and I will not restructure it.''

Dolphins coach Cam Cameron said he could not comment on Culpepper's situation because general manager Randy Mueller was working on a possible trade and didn't want to jeopardize discussions.

Culpepper said the Dolphins told him during a meeting in front of the whole team Friday morning he had no future with the team and would not be able to participate in practice, other than individual drills, even though he was medically cleared. Culpepper did some running on the practice field, but was reduced to a spectator as new quarterback Trent Green, Cleo Lemon and rookie John Beck took snaps with the offense.

Culpepper left the field about midway through practice. As he left the practice field, he was accompanied by Stu Weinstein, the Dolphins security chief.

''I was told I couldn't participate in anything besides individual [drills] or my rehab,'' said Culpepper, who did get a chance to do some individual passing drills. ``I came in and just got in the weight room and worked out.''

When seven-on-nine drills started on the north field with quarterbacks Lemon and Green working with the first two teams, Culpepper suddenly left the passing drills on the south field. While crossing the end of the north field not being used, Culpepper yelled something over his left shoulder toward the remaining group on the south field.

As Weinstein went into the locker room, Culpepper waved at a fan who shouted, ''Daunte!'' then talked with two people standing in the friends and family section. Weinstein exited the locker room and Culpepper went into the locker room, apparently finished for the day.

According to a Dolphins spokesman, Culpepper just needed to get into the locker room, the locker room was locked and Weinstein was needed to open it.

Culpepper this week began campaigning for his release after being told the Dolphins planned to trade him elsewhere. Because he's under contract, on the roster and medically cleared to practice, the Dolphins must let him participate in minicamp and risk him suffering an injury, thus staying on the Dolphins payroll.

For the morning session, helmets were worn but no pads. First round pick Ted Ginn, wearing No. 19, also practiced.

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Ginn Dissapointing

Ginn practices, faces scrutiny from veterans

By Greg A. Bedard and Edgar Thompson

Palm Beach Post Staff Writers

Friday, June 08, 2007

Dolphins receiver Ted Ginn Jr., whose selection with the ninth overall pick in the recent NFL Draft upset many fans - and, reportedly, some veteran players - practiced with the team for the first time Thursday and will participate in the mini-camp that starts today.

Ted Ginn Sr. said his son, who has been recovering from a sprained left foot that he suffered in the BCS title game Jan. 8, is healthy and worked out under the supervision of the Dolphins' medical staff.

Ginn Sr. stopped short of saying that his son, a star at Ohio State who was injured in the title game against Florida, is ready to participate fully in workouts.

"I don't know anybody that is 100 percent after being off for five months," said Ginn Sr., a high school football coach in Cleveland.

Ginn Jr.'s return to practice coincided with the publication on the Internet of a story that said Dolphins defensive veterans Vonnie Holliday and Jason Taylor were stunned by Ginn's selection. That Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn was available added to the surprise, the story said.

Holliday, a defensive tackle, said his comments were misconstrued.

"I was by no means trashing our pick; that's not what I was doing," he said. "I'm not trashing the Dolphins, I'm not trashing the (front-office personnel) and what they do. That's not my job and I wasn't doing that in my comments."

In the story on SI.com headlined, "Dolphins veterans puzzled by decision to draft Ginn," Holliday was quoted as saying: "With the ninth pick they took a guy who is basically a kick returner - a hurt kick returner. Here we are in June, and he hasn't been in camp yet. Maybe he'll come in eventually and become a better route-runner and make some plays. But I couldn't believe it then, and I can't believe it now."

Holliday said he made those comments but that they were "thrown together to make it sound" like he was unhappy. He said he was only trying to say he understood the frustration of fans who booed coach Cam Cameron after the pick was made.

"My comments were definitely not characterized correctly," Holliday said. "That's not the kind of guy I am. ... I've never been that kind of guy and I'm not about to be that guy."

Even if Ginn had not been injured, NFL rules would have prevented him from practicing before Thursday, when Ohio State completed final exams.

Holliday did concede that Ginn will be scrutinized closely by the veterans. But he said that would be true for most top-10 draft choices.

"When you're drafting those guys, you want them to be impact players," Holliday said. "Ginn, he has pressure and he's going to have pressure because he's the ninth pick and because of the whole quarterback situation."

The Dolphins on Tuesday acquired quarterback Trent Green and will move on without Daunte Culpepper. Miami drafted John Beck in the second round to be groomed as a starter.

"Hopefully, Beck and this draft class will live up to all their hype," Holliday said.

Ginn Sr. said neither he nor his son minded Holliday's comments.

"Being a coach and being in athletics, I don't know anybody who's proven until he's proven," Ginn Sr. said. "I don't know anyone who came in with nothing to prove."

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Will he Help?

SKOLNICK: Vet's value will be as willing mentor to Beck

Published June 7, 2007

DAVIE · The new No. 10 faced his first difficult Dolphins assignment Wednesday, one that rivaled the challenge of lifting this offense to respectability.

Trent Green has proven he can throw a post pattern.

Try naming the 10 Dolphins quarterbacks who have started since Dan Marino retired.

"Uh, Damon Huard ... "

"Uh, Jay Fiedler ..."

Pause.

"I know Gus [Frerotte] was in there. Let's see, um, Daunte [Culpepper] and Joey Harrington. Cleo [Lemon] started a game last year. A.J. Feeley start any in there?"

Eight. Regrettably. He, and Dolphins fans, have the scars to show for it.

"Do I have them all? No?"

No.

Green missed Ray Lucas, Brian Griese, Sage Rosenfels.

Dolphins fans hardly miss any of them.

So you don't need to celebrate this move, just understand it.

Green won't win any Super Bowls during his one or two or three seasons here, not with a still-developing roster and an approaching 37th birthday.

Forget that fantasy.

Rather, this is about a quarterback providing stability so a coach quickly can establish credibility, as Frerotte did for Nick Saban before Saban botched his second act.

This is about comfort: Cam Cameron traded in hot coals for plush slippers.

Most coaches don't win championships early in their tenures. They can lose the commitment of a team and confidence of a community. They can lose their jobs.

Green, who called this "a fresh start," gives Cameron a fair shot at a good start. The Dolphins are betting on him as a player, sure, but moreso as a steady leadership presence. For an organization with a history of buying the Brooklyn Bridge, Green represents a serviceable bridge to the John Beck era.

Cameron has had a "special relationship" with Green for a dozen years, coming to admire his "resolve and toughness." Daunte Culpepper has shown teammates his own resolve during his rehabilitation, but Cameron's lack of comfort with the former All-Pro has been clear since his hiring. It was particularly transparent at the scouting combine in February, when Cameron listed leadership and decision-making as the paramount quarterbacking characteristics, trumping physical attributes. You know, the skills that a healthy Culpepper offers in abundance.
Without the coach's faith, how could this have worked?

So it is pointless to wonder what Culpepper would have done with another Dolphins chance, or to worry whether he might excel elsewhere. What matters is the unlikelihood of him accomplishing much in this environment.

It is foolish to argue that the Dolphins needed to keep Culpepper because the previous regime squandered a second-rounder for him. If you buy a furnished condo, that shouldn't preclude you from replacing the couches, whether they're ratty or simply not your style.

It is silly to stress about the fourth-rounder Kansas City will get if Green takes 70 percent of the snaps.

Green will be worth more than that pick if he accomplishes two things.

First, give his teammates a reason to believe (and work) every week. Out of post-Marino quarterbacks, only Fiedler inspired any real faith in fellow players, out of respect for his toughness rather than regard for his limited skills. Frerotte earned appreciation late in his only season.

Second, set the right example for John Beck.

Green's comportment toward the rookie is more critical than his completion percentage. Green said that, while he wouldn't "hold his hand," he would answer all questions and show him how to prepare. That's plenty. Many young quarterbacks succeed without a nurturing mentor (ask Joe Theismann about Billy Kilmer and Sonny Jurgensen), but the right relationship never hurts.

Wednesday, Green entered the Dolphins' quarterback picture.

No. 10 in your program.

No. 11 since Marino.

Someday, in a year or two or three, he will exit. What is reasonable to dream? That, when he does, emerging star John Beck will fondly recall lessons learned from the last quarterback to precede him.

Ethan J. Skolnick can be reached at eskolnick@sun-sentinel.com

 

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Green Introduced

Miami introduces Trent Green, likely ending the Culpepper era

The Dolphins welcomed Trent Green as their new quarterback, and Daunte Culpepper likely will be released or traded before this weekend's minicamp.

BY JEFF DARLINGTON

jdarlington@MiamiHerald.com

Joe Rimkus Jr. / Miami Herald Staff

The Dolphins introduced their newest quarterback, Trent Green, at a press conference on Wednedsay. 'You're not going to find anybody to replace Dan Marino. I'm not trying to fill anybody else's shoes,' said Green.

 

The challenge sounded simple enough: Name each of the quarterbacks who has started a game for the Dolphins since Dan Marino retired after the 1999 season.

''I think I can name most of them,'' Trent Green said Wednesday, the same day he was introduced as the team's newest quarterback on a long list of those before him.

He got Damon Huard right. And Jay Fiedler and Gus Frerotte. Daunte Culpepper and Joey Harrington, of course. Cleo Lemon, too.

''Did A.J. Feeley start any in there?'' Green correctly asked. ``Do I have them all now?''

Three more to go, new guy. Don't forget Ray Lucas, Sage Rosenfels and Brian Griese.

''Yeah,'' said Green, finally tired of the game despite an impressive effort. ``There have been a few.''

No doubt, South Florida's newest sports star has been in the league long enough to understand just how much success Marino had with Miami -- and just how little success came from the 10 quarterbacks after him.

LOOKING FOR WINS

This time, though, Green says he isn't looking to serve as Marino's replacement. Quite simply, as a 13-year veteran, this quarterback isn't looking for anything but wins. And maybe a Super Bowl, of course.

''I'm just going to come out and play the way I know how and lead the way I know how,'' Green said. ``Dan Marino is a Hall of Famer. Bob Griese is a Hall of Famer. I just want to come in, play well, win some games and let the rest of it take care of itself.''

So as the abbreviated Culpepper era nears its inevitable end, Green already began preparations shortly after arriving in South Florida on Wednesday to assume his role as the team's starter.

In the morning, he passed his physical, finalizing the Dolphins' trade with the Chiefs. By his 3 p.m. news conference, he had already watched an hour of tape to help him get acclimated with his new teammates.

On Friday, he'll start his first minicamp.

''We were given the privilege to start talking [about a trade] several weeks ago,'' Dolphins coach Cam Cameron said. ``We started talking about hopefully this day becoming a reality.''

When the Chiefs made it clear weeks ago they had no intentions of starting Green this season, the Dolphins and Green already began work toward a contract. The two sides have agreed to a new deal, but 24 hours must pass after the trade before Green is no longer under contract with the Chiefs.

Green, who will play his first game with the Dolphins at 37, said he has not put any kind of cap on how much longer he can play in the league.

''Whether it's two years, three years, four years, whatever it may be, as long as I feel good and I feel like I'm playing at a high level and I'm contributing to help this team win, I want to keep playing,'' Green said. ``I don't want to put any sort of label on it.''

A TEACHER

Of course, both Green and Cameron openly admit the plan eventually will call for Green to pass the job off to rookie John Beck, who will have the opportunity to learn and develop under one of the league's most experienced quarterbacks.

And that's fine with Green. That said, he has no intentions of simply giving up the job after a year. Nor does Cameron expect him to.

''If a young quarterback is willing to open his eyes and just watch and study, there's nothing like a picture for a young guy to learn from,'' Cameron said. ``And I can't think of a better one.''

On Wednesday, though, the theme had little to do with whom would eventually replace Green. Instead, it had to do with whom Green will replace. For now, he'll attempt to fill the spot vacated by Culpepper.

Nonetheless, every Dolphins fan knows whom he will ultimately be gauged against when his career in Miami comes to a close. It's the same name that has haunted every quarterback's locker since the day each arrived -- whether Green likes it or not.

''You're not going to find anybody to replace Dan Marino,'' Green said. ``I'm not trying to fill anybody else's shoes.''

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Should We?

It is time to trust Cameron

By ISRAEL GUTIERREZ

igutierrez@MiamiHerald.com

Joe Rimkus Jr. / Miami Herald Staff

'We started talking about hopefully this day becoming a reality,' said Dolphins coach Cam Cameron.

• Miami introduces Trent Green, likely ending the Culpepper era
• Abundance of fun, food, football served at Taylor's youth camp
• Daunte likely out before camp

New Dolphins quarterback Trent Green had just been asked about the Dolphins offense Wednesday and his answer included the phrase ``the potential is great.''

He went on to list a few of the players who had him so enthused about an offense that he admitted had to ''catch up'' to what the defense has done over the past several years.

He mentioned Chris Chambers. He got out Ronnie Brown's name. Then he went to Lorenzo Booker, a third-round draft pick who hasn't yet played a down for the Dolphins.

And then there was a long silence. The type of uncomfortable, blank pause that can be explained by the fact that he had only been a Miami Dolphin for less than 24 hours at the time, but still was hardly an advertisement for a Dolphins offense that is supposedly poised to be turned around by first-year coach Cam Cameron.

BEST CASE?

It was the type of moment those who remain uninspired by the choice of Cameron as a coach would have jumped all over, mocking the fact that not even the team's probable starting quarterback can make a proper case for why next year's Dolphins offense will be transformed under the guidance of an offensive guru.

In actuality, that lengthy pause was the best case yet for Cameron. Green, the quarterback who spent the past several months doing everything he could to get traded to Miami, couldn't even name a handful of skill players on the team he is about to lead. And yet, he remains supremely confident it will be a productive offense based on one simple concept: Faith.

Faith in a man with a plan.

Faith in a man with a track record.

Faith in a man who had faith in him.

And it's a concept those who don't believe in Cameron might want to grab hold of.

From the moment the Dolphins announced the hiring of Cameron, there was a hesitancy to embrace him. When the Dolphins drafted Ted Ginn ahead of Brady Quinn, there was an overwhelming desire to deck him. And now that he has chosen a soon-to-be 37-year-old quarterback over a soon-to-be-healthy Daunte Culpepper, the questions about Cameron are only getting louder.

It's the expected reaction from a fan base that has been burned by coaches who have promised to deliver. But it might be time to take the Trent Green approach and just believe.

Why? Maybe because our opinions have been wrong on every coach so far since Don Shula.

We all figured Jimmy Johnson was the proper successor who would bring the Dolphins a pair of Super Bowls the way he did in Dallas. All he turned in was 36 wins over four disappointing seasons.

We all were lukewarm about Dave Wannstedt succeeding Johnson after his previous head coaching stint featured a disastrous ending with the Bears. All he did was put together a four-year span of 41 wins that this city would take in a heartbeat if it was offered as an option for the next four years.

We were all satisfied when Nick Saban was hired, sold on the idea of a proven winner coming in and fixing a four-win team with discipline and not much else. Do we need to be reminded how that ended?

So now we're damaged and scarred and suffer from commitment issues, and Cameron is feeling the brunt of our distrust. But the suspicion and doubt doesn't make much sense because Cameron is only doing exactly what we've asked of him.

FIXING MISTAKES

We want him to fix the mistakes made by three consecutive defensive-minded coaches. And then we question every move he makes along way?

Is it that hard to believe that one of the most respected and successful offensive coordinators over the past few years actually knows what he's doing?

''There's a talent to putting people in positions to succeed, and Cam has that,'' said Green, who had Cameron as a quarterback coach in Washington more than a decade ago.

Green backed up Cameron by mentioning the success he had building an offensive line in San Diego with pieces that included a rookie left tackle, Marcus McNeill, who started 16 games, and a quality guard in Kris Dielman, whom Green described as a ''street free agent'' before he signed with the Chargers. Green also pointed out Cameron helped turn around Drew Brees when some had lost faith in him, and that before Cam got a hold of him, Antonio Gates ``was a basketball player.''

So it's about time to start trusting Cameron's choices, no matter how large a leap it takes.

Green might not know exactly who will be making the plays that finally have Dolphins fans excited about offense again, but he knows this much: ``I think they need to be excited.''

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Daunte Out before camp?

Daunte likely out before camp

BY JEFF DARLINGTON

jdarlington@MiamiHerald.com

It might be time to install a revolving door at the Dolphins' facility in Davie.

Hours after quarterback Daunte Culpepper left the building for one of his final times Wednesday, quarterback Trent Green arrived as his eventual replacement. Culpepper likely will be released or traded before this weekend's minicamp.

Dolphins coach Cam Cameron and general manager Randy Mueller informed Culpepper during an early-morning meeting Wednesday that they are ''going in a different direction,'' Culpepper said.

'They would like to trade me in order to `get something for me,' '' Culpepper said in an e-mail Wednesday. ``However, it is my position that I have already been down that road and I am not interested in being traded.''

Whatever happens, Culpepper's one-year career with the Dolphins will soon come to its end.

Culpepper's trade value isn't likely to be very high, considering the team just gave him medical clearance to practice Tuesday.

Cameron was cryptic about his plans for Culpepper on Wednesday, as he attempted several times to deflect the attention during a news conference toward Green's arrival rather than Culpepper's departure.

Cameron and Mueller did not indicate to Culpepper how long they would attempt to shop him, but several reasons likely will lead to quick action.

First, Culpepper is scheduled to earn $5.5 million next season. If he sustains a significant injury during minicamp this weekend, they would be responsible for that payment.

The team could attempt to bar him from participation, but an arbitrator ultimately ruled against such actions last offseason when the Titans attempted to keep former quarterback Steve McNair out of their facility in a similar situation.

Culpepper said he has every intention to work out at the Dolphins' facility, which likely will force the Dolphins to move quickly.

''They have told me throughout the offseason that I am under contract to the Dolphins,'' Culpepper said. ``Therefore, it will be up to them to either keep me under contract or release me. In the meantime I will continue to work out at the facility.''

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Dolphins Have an easy Start?

Weak schedule sets Dolphins up for a good start By Danny Dabiri on June 7, 2007 12:00 AM Permalink | Comments (14) | Email This Article | RSS | [+] More Dolphins News

The NFL is the most popular sports league in the country. A main reason for its popularity derives from the perception that every team has a chance to win on any given Sunday. Parity has become a commonly used word to describe the landscape of the league, and football enthusiasts are well aware that there is no such thing as a sure victory. However, when forecasting the Miami Dolphins ' prospects for the upcoming year, the team's fans should be encouraged by the softness of their first six games. The schedule-makers have provided head coach Cam Cameron and the Dolphins a good opportunity to get off to a fast start. They open the season on the road against perennial underachievers the Washington Redskins , who were 3-5 at home last season and struggled to put up points under offensive coordinator Al Saunders. If the Dolphins' defense can play well, Miami's offense should be able to control the clock and run the ball effectively against the Redskins' mediocre D-line. After, the Dolphins host the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2. The Cowboys were a strong road team last season, winning five games. Much like the Dolphins, Dallas is under new leadership, with Wade Phillips replacing Bill Parcells. Considering Phillips' previous coaching tenures and the fact that the offense is in the hands of the relatively inexperienced Jason Garrett, the Dolphins' opening home game could end in victory. Miami then visits the Meadowlands in Week 3. The Jets took both games against the Dolphins last season, winning each contest by three points. Every time these division rivals meet, the game is highly competitive and unpredictable. Miami has the good fortune of hosting the lowly Oakland Raiders in Week 4. The Raiders didn't win a single road game last season; there is no reason to expect much better from this year's version of the silver and black. The Dolphins came up short in their trip to Houston last season, losing 17-15, and their shot at revenge comes in Week 5. The Texans have a new starting quarterback, as Matt Schaub takes over for David Carr. Much like their previous meeting, it should be a close game with Miami having an opportunity to pull out a win. Lastly, the highly anticipated matchup between Brady Quinn and the Cleveland Browns against the Dolphins takes place Week 6. Quinn will look to prove that Dolphins management made a mistake passing on him in the first round of last April's draft, assuming he is the starter. The Browns, however, were only 2-6 at home last season, which means Miami has a solid shot at securing a victory. The Dolphins have an interesting quarterback situation. Miami drafted John Beck in Round 2, re-signed Cleo Lemon , and the team acquired veteran Trent Green from the Kansas City Chiefs for a fifth-round conditional draft pick on Tuesday. Green will most likely be the starter when the season begins. It appears Daunte Culpepper's short tenure in South Florida is about to end. Miami has a favorable opening schedule. If the team can get the job done with a proven veteran signal-caller, a draft pick with high upside, and a backup who's familiar with the system, then Miami should be over .500 heading into its home Week 7 showdown with division powerhouse New England.

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What Will Cameron Do?

HYDE: Cameron gets his guy, now what?

Published June 6, 2007

Trent Green seems like a nice enough guy if you've read the dozens of stories out of Kansas City we've been subjected to over the past few months. He's Midwestern-friendly. He's straight-talking. He'll sign autographs for fans all day, if they want.

But as near as I can tell, the Dolphins were intent on gambling next season on the 37-year-old Green and his concussed mind rather than 30-year-old Daunte Culpepper and his bum knee because of one simple, potentially screwy reason:

New coaches choose their guys.

You see it all the time in football. Just look at this trade. Green is new Dolphins coach Cam Cameron's guy, so they reunite in Miami. And Green wasn't second-year Chiefs coach Herm Edwards' guy, so he's out of Kansas City.

Cameron wanted someone he knows, respects, has worked with, has worked with his coaches and -- all together now -- "knows the system" to keep the quarterback position warm until incoming rookie John Beck is ready.

No matter that knowing-the-system is as overrated as apple pie. You don't think any good, veteran quarterback could learn a new system? And shouldn't a 30-year-old like Culpepper who's thrown for 39,000 yards have more potential upside than a 37-year-old whose light is clearly dimming?

Of course, here's the thing: Culpepper doesn't inspire more than a sliver of trust or hope, either. That's the box this new regime inherited. The only quarterback controversy around was whether Cameron and General Manager Randy Mueller could find a quarterback for next year.

It's not just Culpepper's knee. Here's a story: Turns out ESPN's Steve Young was right in reporting how last year's coaches didn't think Culpepper studied the game or worked hard enough. Here's another story: After his latest surgery, Culpepper was required to write a letter of apology to some medical people for how he behaved toward them.

But the larger point to understand is that, if Nick Saban were still coaching here (cross yourself three times), Culpepper would be discussed as a recovered quarterback hungry for a comeback year. In fact, many of the people running interference for Green today would be saying the same for Culpepper.

But just like Saban cleared out Dave Wannstedt's roster, just like Jimmy Johnson turned over Don Shula's roster, Cameron and Mueller are erasing much of Saban's roster. Especially on offense.

In most ways, it's easy to connect the logic in this new regime's thinking, considering the Dolphins ranked 29th in offense last season. They had to do something. And they've done about as much as possible in one offseason to point the way to the future.

Still, hovering above every move are the cautionary, draft-day words of team owner H. Wayne Huizenga: "They'd better be right."

No one knows quite how to feel about the trade for Green: Happy it's finally done? Ambivalent about what it means? Doubtful how it will work out?

The good news is Cameron and Mueller have started down the road with exactly who they want. Their plan won't fail for lack of getting their desired players. They got Ted Ginn Jr. for his speed, Beck for his future and now Green because he played for Cameron in Washington and with quarterbacks coach Terry Shea in Kansas City.

For the past three months, the Dolphins' quarterback situation hung like a stench over this team. On Friday, when the next minicamp opens, that will be gone, just as Culpepper surely will be soon.

Finally, the overdone chase for Green is over. The whole saga reminds me of that George Clooney movie, Syriana, in which you walked out of the theater wondering what happened and why.

In this case, the why comes down to this: New coaches bring in their guys. And Green is Cameron's guy.

Dave Hyde can be reached at dhyde@sun-sentinel.com.

Culpepper

Dolphins to Culpepper: Your future's not here

BY JEFF DARLINGTON

jdarlington@MiamiHerald.com

TOM ERVIN /FOR THE MIAMI HERALD

Daunte Culpepper watches John Beck quarterback during a recent practice at Nova Southeastern University.

YOU MAKE THE CALL

Are the Dolphins making a mistake by choosing Trent Green instead of Daunte Culpepper? Here's a comparison of the two veteran QBs, both coming off injury-plagued seasons:

-- Age: Culpepper -- 30; Green -- *37.
-- Height, weight: Culpepper -- 6-4, 265; Green -- 6-3, 217.
-- 2006 stats: Culpepper -- 4 games, 81 for 134, 929 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT; Green -- 8 games, 121 of 198, 1,342 yards, 7 TD, 9 INT.
-- Career stats: Culpepper -- 85 games, 1,759 of 2,741, 21,091 yards, 137 TD, 89 INT; Green -- 112 games, 2,143 of 3,527, 26,963 yards, 157 TD, 101 INT.
-- Serious injury sustained: Culpepper -- Knee (missed 21 games between 2005-06); Green -- Concussion (missed 8 games in '06).
-- Regular-season records as starter: Culpepper -- 39-45; Green -- 52-47.
-- Postseason records as starter: Culpepper -- 2-2; Green -- 0-1.

*-Turns 37 on July 9.

Quarterback Daunte Culpepper is officially on the way out of the Dolphins' door.

On the morning after acquiring Chiefs quarterback Trent Green, Dolphins officials notified Culpepper they are ''going in a different direction'' and will attempt to trade him.

Coach Cam Cameron and general manager Randy Mueller met with Culpepper Wednesday morning to notify him of their plans. Still, Culpepper said Mueller and Cameron also advised him that he would not be cut -- and he would be kept on the roster throughout the off-season despite his inevitable departure.

'They would like to trade me in order to `get something for me,' '' Culpepper said in an e-mail to The Miami Herald on Wednesday morning. ``However, it is my position that I have already been down that road and I am not interested in being traded.

``They have told me throughout the off-season that I am under contract to the Dolphins. Therefore, it will be up to them to either keep me under contract or release me. In the meantime, I will continue to work out at the facility with the team and prepare myself for training camp, wherever it may be.''

The decision to trade Culpepper comes a day after the medical staff cleared him to participate in an off-season practice Wednesday and this weekend's minicamp. It also comes on the same day Green will arrive in South Florida.

 

Green...

Dolphins land QB Trent Green

BY JEFF DARLINGTON

jdarlington@MiamiHerald.com

Ronald Green / Getty Images

In the final seven of last season, Trent Green threw eight interceptions and was sacked 21 times.

 

• The Dolphins and the Chiefs reached an agreement that will send quarterback Trent Green to Miami for a fifth-round pick. The pick could become a fourth-round selection.

The deal is finally done. The talks have finally ended. The stalemate is finally over.

And as a result of all of those conclusions Tuesday, the Dolphins finally got their quarterback.

After months of frustrating negotiations, Miami reached a trade agreement Tuesday to acquire quarterback Trent Green from Kansas City, agent Jim Steiner and one Dolphins source said.

An official announcement is expected today, as soon as Green passes a physical in South Florida this morning.

In the end, it was the simplest of compromises that closed the deal. The Dolphins tweaked their offer of a sixth-round pick once more, giving up a fifth-round pick that could become a fourth-round selection if Green meets certain performance incentives.

The Chiefs had been asking for a fourth-round pick, resulting in the sides eventually reaching the final middle ground.

But while the Dolphins' struggle with the Chiefs has ended, another competition is about to begin. The team must now decide the fate of quarterback Daunte Culpepper, who received clearance from his surgeon and the team this week to participate in a weekend minicamp.

A FORMALITY

Green also is expected to participate in this weekend's minicamp, as long as he passes his physical. Although Green, 36, sustained a severe concussion at the start of last season, today's medical evaluation is being viewed as nothing more than a formality, a team source said.

Green has long been prepared to make the move to South Florida, even publicly criticizing the slow-moving process taken by the Chiefs as he eagerly awaited joining the Dolphins.

''It's not only awkward for me and my family, but it's awkward for the guys in the weight room, in the locker room, on the practice field,'' Green told Kansas City media after a recent minicamp. 'I'm here every day. People ask, `What's going on?' Guys don't know how to react to me, how to treat me.''

During that same interview session, Green said he had not been told by the Dolphins whether he would be the starter as soon as he got to South Florida. But he has been assured he would get the fair chance he was looking for.

The Dolphins also appeared to have much of the leverage in negotiations since the Chiefs would have owed Green $7.2 million in salary, despite plans to go with either Damon Huard or Brodie Croyle as the starting quarterback. But that wasn't necessarily the case.

The reason is the Chiefs could have held onto Green until a week before the regular season -- when teams are mandated to cut rosters down to 53 players -- without owing him any money.

As a result, if the Dolphins wanted to wait until Green was cut, they would have been without their desired starter through all of training camp.

Green, who played for coach Cam Cameron during a stay with the Washington Redskins, now likely will replace Culpepper as the team's starting quarterback. A team source said Tuesday it would be ''very difficult'' to keep Culpepper in the plans.

Culpepper expected to participate in this weekend's minicamp after missing most of the offseason's workouts while rehabilitating his right knee.

Green has played 13 seasons in the NFL, including his previous six with the Chiefs. He has been a consistent star in the league, but he does come with questions.

Green, who is near the end of his career because he will be 37 at the start of next season, also sustained a severe concussion in the first game of last season.

Green returned to his starting role for the final seven games of the regular season, helping the Chiefs to four victories.

However, he also threw eight interceptions and was sacked 21 times during that span.

At the Dolphins' facility Tuesday, management was buzzing through the office while working to get the deal done. However, in the team's indoor practice facility, players had no idea the deal was about to go down.

TEAM PREPARED

During his youth football camp, defensive end Jason Taylor said the team was prepared to enter the weekend's minicamp as if the quarterbacks were set without Green.

''In my mind, we're settled,'' Taylor said before Green's addition. ``We've got four quarterbacks in camp, I mean how many can you carry?

``Shoot, we almost have as many quarterbacks as we do D-lineman, so if you get one more, in my eyes it's settled. This is the guys we're going to battle with.''

Now, Taylor can officially add Green to the mix.