The NFL is punishing the Miami Dolphins after a six month investigation into whether the team violated league rules by having "impermissible communications" with quarterback Tom Brady starting in 2019. As well as Saints coach Sean Peyton.
It did find the team violated rules, and as a result, the Miami Dolphins will forfeit the club's first-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft and third-round selection in the 2024 NFL draft. Team owner Stephen Ross is also suspended through October 17, 2022.
The investigation also revealed the team did not intentionally lose games in 2019 to improve a draft position. Also it found any offers to then Coach Brian Flores that he'd receive $100,000 to lose games should not have been taken seriously.
Read the complete statements from Stephen Ross and the NFL below:
"The independent investigation cleared our organization on any issues related to tanking and all of Brian Flores other allegations. As I have said all along, these allegations were false, malicious and defamatory and this issue is now put to rest. With regards to tampering, I strongly disagree with the conclusions and the punishment. However, I will accept the outcome because the most important thing is that there be no distractions for our team as we begin an exciting and winning season. I will not allow anything to get in the way of that."