Jason Taylor: How Do We Decipher Him?

I'm afraid I'm going to make people angry, well, fans of Taylor or Miami anyway.

What is going through Jason Taylor's mind right now? Anything? Seemingly not.

Let's discuss his absence from Miami, and the possible reasons why.

Yesterday in Des Moines, while at a charity golf tournament, and after hearing (again) about Coach Sparano saying that he (Taylor) had informed them he would not be available for OTA's or even training camp, Taylor bristled visibly and said: "Who said that? I've been in L.A. and so far removed from it. I'll deal with that later."

Here are a few more of his cute comments.

"I'm going to head back home today for the first time in three months...we'll worry about football in the near future,"

(I'd like to make a small note to this. That fact that he has not been "home" much, if at all this offseason is his own fault. Those were decisions he made for himself long in advance.)

"I'm under contract with the Dolphins...football doesn't start until July," said Taylor, who also has been the subject of trade talks.

These are just a few comments made, coupled with the busy schedule he's "leaked" bits of, that make it seem that he really has no intention of being in camp before it's necessary. If at all.

Sounds to me like one of three things. Either the personal snub by The Tuna to him a while back at the Dolphins HQ has pissed him off enough he's trying force a trade/release hand, or he's a lot more enamored with Hollywood, star treatment, and ass-kissing, and would rather football just went and took an aerial fornication at a rolling pastry. Or...he's so full of himself and his "Old Vet" prowess and name, that he's just cocksure he does not need to prepare at all to play like anyone else.

The first scenario is kind of forgivable to me, and maybe that's only because I've never been enamored by Parcells. But the man is still his boss. I don't care who you think you are, and how much of an asshat Parcells may be; you need to pay heed to the man who signs your paycheck. Period. And remember this, Parcells is no dummy. Far from it. And I'd be willing to bet most pachyderms are more than slightly jealous of his memory.

The other two scenarios are to me are much more unforgivable. If I'm his teammate, new or old, busting my balls to play, get in shape, earn my roster spot, learn the new playbook, or whatever and then see him pulling this "I'm Mr. Hollywood Sunshine" crapola thinking he can just waltz in for his starting spot at his age with minimum work. Well now, I'd be flippin' hot. And I'm not sure veteran respect would be in my vocabulary. I'll promise you this; the example he is setting for the newer players is not the one a football organization expects, nor wants, from a player of his tenure.

We've already heard him quoted as saying he does not think he needs to study the new D much as football is not rocket science, and it's all old hat to him because he's had so many different coaches. Oh yes, good. That makes so much sense. Thank you Mr.Taylor for clearing that foggy bit up.

At this point I could care less about how he can or can't play these days, no matter what his preparation may or may not be. I wouldn't want him on my team. His comments and actions so far this offseason have shown that he indeed can find an "I" in team.

He should quickly learn that The Tuna will not let his mouth over-ride his contracted value. All of this coming from a guy whose team...wait, wait for it, where did the Dolphins pick in the last draft? Oh right, excuse me, I'm sorry, that one big, whomping win last year should tell us he's got no concerns about the abilities of his team.

If he even cares anymore.