Fins GM Jeff Ireland Regrets Angry Confrontation With Fan
DAVIE (CBS4/AP) — Miami Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland admits he muttered a profanity as he walked away from a fan following an unfriendly conversation at halftime of the team's recent victory over the Oakland Raiders.
Other fans were pleasant, Ireland said Tuesday, but one man approached him, complained about the direction of the Dolphins and told the GM he should fire himself. Ireland said he regrets what he said in response.
"It did happen at halftime. I was going back to my booth after seeing my wife and I did talk to several fans that were very nice. But as I'm walking back this person introduced himself to me and made a comment to me," said Ireland in a statement released through the team. "It caught me off guard. I just turned and walked away but I did say something I regret. I thought I was saying it to myself under my breath, but I must have said it loud enough that he could hear it. At the time I felt I handled the situation privately, but I probably spoke a little too loud. I regret that I said anything."
Ireland joined the Dolphins in 2008. They've endured three consecutive losing seasons, and this year fans have been upset about the unsuccessful courtship of Peyton Manning and various roster moves.
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