In its release, the league revealed that Miami had violated the anti-tampering policy on three separate occasions in conversations with Tom Brady, who was under contract with the Patriots and Buccaneers, and the agent for Sean Payton, who was under contract with the Saints, from 2019-2022. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said investigators discovered “tampering violations of unprecedented scope and severity.”
As it relates to tanking, the league wasn’t so clear on its findings.
MORE: Everything to know about Dolphins tampering scandal
Did Dolphins pay Brian Flores to lose games?
Former Dolphins coach Brian Flores alleged in a lawsuit filed against the NFL and its teams that Ross offered to pay him $100,000 for each loss during the 2019 season because Miami was focused on improving its position in the 2020 NFL Draft. Ross called those claims “false, malicious and defamatory.”
The NFL found that the Dolphins “did not intentionally lose games during the 2019 season,” adding that no one in the organization, including Ross, told Flores to tank. However, the league also noted that Ross did share “his belief that the Dolphins’ position in the upcoming 2020 draft should take priority over the team’s win-loss record.”
The investigation determined that Ross did make a comment about a $100,000 offer, but there were “differing recollections about the wording, timing and context.” The comment was “not intended or taken to be a serious offer,” per the investigation.
MORE: Explaining Brian Flores’ lawsuit against the Dolphins
How did the NFL penalize the Dolphins?
The NFL issued stiff penalties to the Dolphins and Ross for the tampering violations. However, neither the loss of draft picks nor the fine imposed against Ross were the result of the tanking allegations made by Flores.
The Dolphins will forfeit a 2023 first-round pick and 2024 third-round pick. Ross will be suspended through Oct. 17, 2022, and fined $1. 5 million. During that suspension, he will not be permitted to be at the Dolphins’ facility or represent Miami at any team or league event. Dolphins vice chairman Bruce Beal will be fined $500,000 and not be permitted to attend any league meetings for the rest of the 2022 season.
