NFL player Don Jones fined for Michael Sam tweet
Miami Dolphins safety Don Jones was fined an undisclosed amount on Sunday after sending a negative tweet about Michael Sam. Sam became the first openly gay player to be selected in the NFL draft.
Jones, will also undergo educational training in light of his actions.
Shortly after the St. Louis Rams took Sam in the seventh round Saturday, Jones tweeted “OMG” and “Horrible.” The tweets were taken down a short time later. Jones apologized for his comments Sunday and described them as inappropriate. The Dolphins said Jones has been excused from all team activities until he completes training related to his comments.
“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 today about respect, discrimination and judgment. These comments are not consistent with the values and standards of our program.”
The Dolphins quickly reacted to Jones’ tweets in the wake of the team’s bullying scandal last year which prompted a nationwide debate about workplace harassment and locker room culture.
Jones’ agent, Chris Martin, could not be reached Sunday for comment.
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