Don Shula is an Ass-Clown

[Fidatelo]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3097057

Not only does he try to pre-taint a Patriot undefeated season (showing little class), he then goes on to try to defend the '72 Dolphins as not being poor sports with the whole champagne ritual. Finally, he contradicts his initial "asterisk" comments by saying that the Patriots "are a classy bunch of guys and play ball the right way."

What a tool.

[Atocep]

What Shula said about the Pats super bowls being tainted is stupid.

However, in fairness, I've heard several times that the champagne ritual doesn't really happen. There is no get-together. Its a media creation.

[hawk4669]

Just read that article. I don't like the Patriots....but jeez I wish people would get past this.

I know the man was a great coach and all....but I get the feeling him suggesting an asterisk is just to make his ego feel better.

Lastly, anyone out there who feels their team isn't cheating in one way, shape or form is kidding themselves. Some are just better at it than others. :D

Just my two cents.

Cheers!

[Crapshoot]

Meh, just another old fart.

[Toddzilla]

Why anyone has listened to this doddering old fool after 1974 is beyond me. Don Shula can go shit in his hat.

[Fidatelo]

However, in fairness, I've heard several times that the champagne ritual doesn't really happen. There is no get-together. Its a media creation.

My point wasn't to argue whether they do that or not, it was to point out the hypocrisy of him denying that the '72 Dolphins are poor sports in the same interview that he tries to slap an asterisk on the current team threatening his record.

[hoopsguy]

Actually, it was another Dolphins player that said that the Pats are "classy". Shula comes off looking extremely petty with this stance.

I guess more power to him for saying it if this is how he really feels; it isn't a very good PR move. But, as a Dolphins fan, I think the old codgers come off looking like asshats when they root against teams so they can keep the record for themselves.

[hoopsguy]

Shula:
stories of that annual celebration "have been blown out of proportion."

former Dolphins tight end Jim Mandich:
"You guys put forth the myth that we are pathetic losers down here clicking champagne glasses and clinging desperately to a record set 35 years ago. Somehow we've been portrayed as being evil. We don't ever blow our own horn. It's a great record, but the record doesn't get beaten.
"The Patriots have assembled a powerhouse of a team. They are a classy bunch of guys and play ball the right way. If they want to join the unbeaten club, come on aboard."

[Fidatelo]

Actually, it was another Dolphins player that said that the Pats are "classy".

Good catch. I am apparently not very good at this 'reading' thing.

[st.cronin]

I completely agree with Shula.

[Kodos]

Yes. Don Shula certainly doesn't have the class of a guy like Belichick. Good call.

[larrymcg421]

I don't agree with what Shula said, but his comments in that article are much different than have been reported in this thread.

It doesn't sound like he's saying there should be an asterisk, but that the fact that they got punished will have the same perception as an asterisk, and that it will be unfortunate because they would have probably done it anyways.

As for the champagne thing, see here: http://www.snopes.com/sports/football/miami72.asp

[Mr. Wednesday]

I don't get how there's an asterisk on something that clearly had minimal effect on the Patriots' play this season. Their tape from the Jets game was grabbed by the security guys, and for games thereafter, all the material had been turned over to the league office.

[Galaxy]

I completely agree with Shula.

But couldn't you argue that the Dolphins cheated to get Shula (which they had to give Indy a first-round pick for tampering)? I just find it odd that Shula is complaing about the Pats cheated/cheating (which I don't think videotapping the signals of other teams gives you any advantage, to be honest).

The Patroits are a great team (Yes, it hurts to say that as Bills fan) They got fined for what they did in a big way.

Another argument is today, the Patroits have to play an extra two regular season games in a salary cap era, in comparsion to the Dolphins.

[larrymcg421]

But couldn't you argue that the Dolphins cheated to get Shula (which they had to give Indy a first-round pick for tampering)? I just find it odd that Shula is complaing about the Pats cheated/cheating (which I don't think videotapping the signals of other teams gives you any advantage, to be honest).

The Patroits are a great team (Yes, it hurts to say that as Bills fan) They got fined for what they did in a big way.

Another argument is today, the Patroits have to play an extra two regular season games in a salary cap era, in comparsion to the Dolphins.

But see, I don't read that article the same way. It doesn't sound like he's complaining about them cheating, just saying what it will look like in the future since they got fined for breaking the rules during their undefeated run. He certainly gives Brady his props in the article, seemingly suggesting they would have gone undefeated anyways.

As for Patriots cheating Shula, I bet he's far more upset about the snowplow incident than Spygate.

[sabotai]

I don't agree with what Shula said, but his comments in that article are much different than have been reported in this thread.

It doesn't sound like he's saying there should be an asterisk, but that the fact that they got punished will have the same perception as an asterisk, and that it will be unfortunate because they would have probably done it anyways.

That's how I read it too. He analogizes it to how steroids will taint Barry Bonds and the talk of an asterick on his record. No where does he say that it should taint their record if they go undefeated, just that it will.

Also, how people took his comments in this thread is how everyone on ESPN took them today as well. They said things all day like "Don Shula says the Pats should have an asterick on their record if they go undefeated." (paraphrasing what several people said to start off the segment on their shows today). Now that I'm reading them, I wonder if anyone on ESPN actually read them...

[Galaxy]

I've heard and read two or three stories today about. Seems like the stories aren't clear. After re-reading it, I can see your point.

[cuervo72]

But couldn't you argue that the Dolphins cheated to get Shula (which they had to give Indy a first-round pick for tampering)?

Um....Indy???

[Rizon]

Shula can say what he wants because he is God. All hail Shula.

[Galaxy]

Um....Indy???

What was before the Indianapolis, the Baltimore Colts.

[BYU 14]

I don't think he comes off as bad as people are making it seem. Belichek may be crooked but remember Shula let Richard Nixon call a play in the Super Bowl loss to Dallas.....somewhat ironic says I.

[rkmsuf]

someone change don shula's diaper