The Miami Dolphins on Sunday fined
safety Don Jones after he sent a negative tweet about Michael Sam,
the NFL's first openly gay draftee.
Sam, a 24-year-old All-American
defensive end, was picked by the St. Louis Rams in the seventh and
final round of this year's draft.
(Related: Michael
Sam becomes first openly gay player drafted by NFL.)
Jones tweeted “OMG” and “Horrible”
shortly after the news broke, according to the
AP. He has since made his Twitter account private.
“We were disappointed to read Don's
tweets,” coach Joe Philbin said in a statement. “They were
inappropriate and unacceptable, and we regret the negative impact
these comments had on such an important weekend for the NFL. We met
with Don about respect, discrimination and judgment. These comments
are not consistent with the values and standards of our program.”
Jones apologized for the tweets in a
statement.
“I remember last year when I was
drafted in the seventh round, and all of the emotion and happiness I
felt when I received the call that gave me the opportunity to play
for an NFL team, and I wish him all the best in his NFL career,”
Jones said. “I am committed to represent the values of the Miami
Dolphins organization, and appreciate the opportunity I have been
given to do so going forward.”
The Dolphins did not disclose the
amount of the fine and said Jones will undergo educational training.