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
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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