Miami Dolphins Announce Week 12 Youth Programs Awards With Partner Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE)
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November 23, 2016
***Photo Credit: Miami Dolphins***
Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/j2lwwinvcj6w0we/AACjxJymM9l-F2f5euR7YzBIa?dl=0
Miami Dolphins Announce Week 12 Youth Programs Awards With Partner Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE)
Miami – The Miami Dolphins and the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) recognize the Week 12 youth football players, coach and parent who have demonstrated their commitment to being leaders on and off the field:
- High School Player of the Week: Yasir Abdullah from Miami Carol City Senior High School. Abdullah dominated the opposition, recording eight total tackles and five sacks in the Chiefs’ second-round playoff victory against Miami Northwestern Senior High School.
- High School Coach of the Week: Dameon Jones from Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory School. This is Jones’ first season coaching the Lions, but they are playing very well and defeated number one ranked Oxbridge Academy 30-13 this past weekend.
- Youth Player of the Week: Matthew O’Dowd from the Lauderhill Broncos Varsity of the Gold Coast Pop Warner football league. O’Dowd not only excels on the football field, but also in the classroom. His name has been submitted for Pop Warner National Academic All-American status, which recognizes scholar-athletes who maintain a 96 percent or better grade point average. Currently, O’Dowd has earned a 98 percent GPA.
- Team Mom of the Week: Shaketta Simmonds from the Kendall Kolts 9U of the Miami Xtreme football league. Simmonds takes being a team mom to the next level. She arranges a hydration schedule for the team and also prepares home-cooked meals for the players and families every home game. Additionally, Simmonds prays with players and families, makes sure players have transportation to and from practices and games and even arranged a breast cancer awareness dinner for the Kolts family. She also encourages the kids to read and has them submit book reports every week. Simmonds has taught her players the true meaning of responsibility and respect, and the Kendall Kolts are so grateful that she is their team mom.
Each award recipient will be presented with a plaque on the field during the Nov. 27 Dolphins home game at Hard Rock Stadium against the San Francisco 49ers, and receive acknowledgement of their accomplishment in the game program and through the Dolphins’ and RISE’s social media platforms. They also will receive a pair of tickets to a Miami Dolphins home game and a Dolphins/RISE T-shirt.
As a newly added component of the program and part of the Dolphins/RISE partnership, winners will be empowered to make a difference by participating in a RISE training program where they will learn how to use the unifying power of sport to promote the importance and benefits of unity, equality and inclusiveness as well as address racial tensions their teams, schools and communities might experience.
Awardees also will be encouraged to take a pledge, committing to stand up to racial inequality and share how they plan to affect change by creating a “How I RISE” video message, which will be posted on RISEtoWIN.org.
About Miami Dolphins Youth Programs
The Miami Dolphins Youth Programs’ mission is to emphasize the importance of education, physical fitness and positive choices for kids in a safe and fun environment. The Miami Dolphins Youth Programs’ vision is to prepare the next generation of leaders in staying physically active through our Junior Training Camps (JTC), Youth Football Clinics and Youth Football Camps. The goal is to promote Youth Football in the South Florida community.
About the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE)
Founded in 2015 by Stephen M. Ross, the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to harnessing the unifying power of sports to advance race relations and drive social progress. Supported by an unprecedented alliance of sports leagues, organizations, educators, media networks, sports professionals and athletes, RISE uses sports as a vehicle to promote understanding, respect and equality. Through public awareness campaigns and educational programming, RISE aims to spark enduring action. To learn more, visit RISEtoWIN.org.
Miami Dolphins Honor Liliam López Through The NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Awards
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November 22, 2016
Miami Dolphins Honor Liliam López Through The NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Awards
Miami – The Miami Dolphins have selected South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Liliam López as the recipient of the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award.
The NFL and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) have partnered for the sixth annual NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Awards during the 2016 celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. The awards recognize the contributions of Hispanic leaders in each NFL market.
The Dolphins will honor Lopez on Nov. 27 during the home game at Hard Rock Stadium against the San Francisco 49ers.
López is a co-founder of the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SFLHCC) and the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation serving as President & CEO of both organizations. Through her leadership, the SFLHCC has become one of the most important and influential chambers in the U.S. with over 1,250 members. She plans, coordinates and implements more than 20 chamber events annually for membership. She has a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree with a major in Political Science from St. Thomas University. López currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Alliance for Aging, the Miami-Dade Area Health Education Center, the Small/Micro and Minority/Women Business Owned Business Enterprise Advisory Committee of Miami Dade County Public Schools, the Advisory Council of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund and on the President’s Council for Florida International University (FIU). She served on the Entrepreneurial Advisory Council of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s Regional Economic Information Network (REIN), as the only Hispanic woman on that board for the period 2008-2010, among many other boards she has served on throughout her career.
Each award recipient will select an organization of their choice that serves the local Hispanic community to receive a $2,000 donation. López has chosen South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation to receive this donation.
About the Hispanic Heritage Foundation
The Hispanic Heritage Foundation is an award-winning nonprofit which inspires, identifies, prepares and connects Latino leaders in the classroom, community and workforce to meet America’s priorities. HHF also promotes cultural pride, accomplishment and the great promise of the community through public awareness campaigns seen by millions. For more information on the year-round, high-impact programs and work of HHF, including the Hispanic Heritage Awards, visit www.hispanicheritage.org.
Miami Dolphins Awarded Harris
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November 21, 2016
Miami Dolphins Awarded Harris
MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have been awarded tackle Bryce Harris off waivers from Jacksonville.
Harris joins the Dolphins after a stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he spent six weeks on the active roster this season but did not appear in a game. Harris has played in 35 games with four starts over four seasons with the New Orleans Saints (2012-14) and the Atlanta Falcons (2015). He played in 34 games, including 32 straight in 2013-14, for the Saints and made four starts. Harris originally entered the NFL as an undrafted college free agent on April 30, 2012 with the Falcons.
| Name |
Pos. |
Hgt. |
Wgt. |
Birthdate |
Exp. |
College |
Hometown |
Acq. |
| Bryce Harris |
T |
6-6 |
300 |
1/16/89 |
5 |
Fresno State ’12 |
Tulare, Calif. |
Wai., ’16 (Jac.) |
Statements on Jones Suspension
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NFL SPOKESPERSON STATEMENT
Jason Jones of the Miami Dolphins has been suspended without pay for the team’s next two games for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse.
Jones’ suspension begins immediately. He will be eligible to return to the Dolphins’ active roster on Monday, Dec. 5 following the team’s Dec. 4 game against the Baltimore Ravens.
MIAMI DOLPHINS STATEMENT
“Jason notified the team of this situation when it occurred and has been in regular contact with the NFL, team officials and his coaches throughout the process. We were disappointed when we were made aware. Jason recognized and apologized for his lapse in judgment and has fulfilled his legal obligations.”
JASON JONES STATEMENT
“I want to reiterate my apology to my teammates, coaches and the Miami Dolphins organization. Fortunately no one was hurt because of my actions. This is something I learned from and have taken the proper steps to ensure this will never happen again.”
Miami Dolphins Promote Brendel
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November 19, 2016
Miami Dolphins Promote Brendel
MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have promoted center Jake Brendel off the practice squad to the team’s active roster and have waived cornerback Chris Culliver.
Brendel was signed to Miami’s practice squad on Oct. 11, 2016. He was previously on Dallas’ practice squad and spent the offseason and training camp with the Cowboys after he was signed as an undrafted college free agent on May 6, 2016. Brendel was a four-year starter at center for UCLA and started 52 games in his collegiate career, becoming the school’s all-time leader in games started. He was a three-year co-captain and earned second-team All-Pac 12 honors as a senior in 2015 and a junior in 2014.
Culliver signed with the Dolphins on Aug. 10, 2016 and was placed on the physically unable to perform list (PUP) on Sept. 3, 2016 before he was activated from PUP on Nov. 8, 2016. Culliver has not appeared in a game this season but has played in 52 games with 26 starts in his four-year NFL career and totaled 137 tackles (119 solo), seven interceptions and 34 passes defensed. He played three seasons with the San Francisco 49ers (2011-12; 2014) and spent the 2015 season with the Washington Redskins. Culliver originally entered the NFL as a third-round selection (80th overall) by the 49ers in the 2011 NFL draft after playing collegiately at South Carolina.
| Name |
Pos. |
Hgt. |
Wgt. |
Birthdate |
Exp. |
College |
Hometown |
Acq. |
| Jake Brendel |
C |
6-4 |
305 |
9/10/92 |
R |
UCLA ’16 |
Madison, Wis. |
FA, ‘16 |
Miami Dolphins Announce Week 11 Youth Programs Awards With Partner Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE)
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November 15, 2016
***Photo Credit: Miami Dolphins***
Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/tivaos860c16hzb/AACsfzaGBgVkDAky18Oajx73a?dl=0
Miami Dolphins Announce Week 11 Youth Programs Awards With Partner Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE)
Miami – The Miami Dolphins and the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) recognize the Week 11 youth football players and parent who have demonstrated their commitment to being leaders on and off the field:
- High School Player of the Week: Shaun Shivers from Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory School. Shivers rushed for 205 yards and three touchdowns on 10 carries in the Lions’ first-round playoff win over Cardinal Newman. Although he is only a junior, Shivers has committed to Auburn University.
- Youth Player of the Week: Jamari Watson from the Pembroke Pines Optimist Bengals 10U of the American Youth Football League. Watson plays both running back and free safety for the Bengals. He had three touchdowns – one receiving and two on punt returns – in the 45-0 win over the West Pembroke Pines Optimist Wildcats.
- Team Mom of the Week: Joana Duce from the East Miramar Dolphins 8U of the National Youth Football League. Duce has shown full dedication from the first day she came to the park to sign her daughter up for cheerleading. On the first day of sign up for both football and cheerleading, she jumped in and smoothed out the chaos by helping with registration. Duce lends her helping hand wherever she is needed. She not only assists with her daughter’s group, but also helps with the concession at all of the home games. Duce is a true example of a dedicated and committed parent for both her child and the organization. The East Miramar Dolphins are honored to have her as part of the program.
Each award recipient will be presented with a plaque on the field during the Nov. 27 Dolphins home game at Hard Rock Stadium against the San Francisco 49ers, and receive acknowledgement of their accomplishment in the game program and through the Dolphins’ and RISE’s social media platforms. They also will receive a pair of tickets to a Miami Dolphins home game and a Dolphins/RISE T-shirt.
As a newly added component of the program and part of the Dolphins/RISE partnership, winners will be empowered to make a difference by participating in a RISE training program where they will learn how to use the unifying power of sport to promote the importance and benefits of unity, equality and inclusiveness as well as address racial tensions their teams, schools and communities might experience.
Awardees also will be encouraged to take a pledge, committing to stand up to racial inequality and share how they plan to affect change by creating a “How I RISE” video message, which will be posted on RISEtoWIN.org.
About Miami Dolphins Youth Programs
The Miami Dolphins Youth Programs’ mission is to emphasize the importance of education, physical fitness and positive choices for kids in a safe and fun environment. The Miami Dolphins Youth Programs’ vision is to prepare the next generation of leaders in staying physically active through our Junior Training Camps (JTC), Youth Football Clinics and Youth Football Camps. The goal is to promote Youth Football in the South Florida community.
About the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE)
Founded in 2015 by Stephen M. Ross, the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to harnessing the unifying power of sports to advance race relations and drive social progress. Supported by an unprecedented alliance of sports leagues, organizations, educators, media networks, sports professionals and athletes, RISE uses sports as a vehicle to promote understanding, respect and equality. Through public awareness campaigns and educational programming, RISE aims to spark enduring action. To learn more, visit RISEtoWIN.org.
Miami Dolphins Activate Mitchell Off Injured Reserve
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November 10, 2016
Miami Dolphins Activate Mitchell Off Injured Reserve
MIAMI – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have activated defensive tackle Earl Mitchell off injured reserve.
The Dolphins had placed Mitchell on injured reserve on Sept. 13, 2016 after he was injured in the season opener at Seattle on Sept. 11, 2016. He is in his third season with the Dolphins (2014-16) and has played in 29 games with 16 starts, 56 tackles (35 solo), two sacks and one pass defensed. He joined the Dolphins as an unrestricted free agent on March 12, 2014 after four seasons with the Houston Texans (2010-13). He originally entered the league as a third-round pick (81st overall) by Houston in the 2010 NFL draft.
| Name |
Pos. |
Hgt. |
Wgt. |
Birthdate |
Exp. |
College |
Hometown |
Acq. |
| Earl Mitchell |
DT |
6-3 |
310 |
9/25/87 |
7 |
Arizona ’10 |
Houston, Texas |
UFA, ’14 (Hou.) |
Miami Dolphins Announce Week 10 Youth Programs Awards With Partner Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE)
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November 10, 2016
***Photo/Video Credit: Miami Dolphins***
Photos/Video: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/wikxflscr1didpb/AADvu0NB55EEnjejuRC2m855a?dl=0
Miami Dolphins Announce Week 10 Youth Programs Awards With Partner Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE)
Miami – The Miami Dolphins and the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) recognize the Week 10 youth football players, coach and parent who have demonstrated their commitment to being leaders on and off the field:
- High School Player of the Week: Todd Centeio from Dwyer High School. The dynamic senior quarterback threw for 255 yards and five touchdowns last week. This type of performance exemplifies why Dwyer remains undefeated this season.
- High School Coach of the Week: Orson Walkes from Pahokee High School. His team currently sits undefeated at 10-0. Walkes has been an assistant coach on four state championship teams for the Blue Devils prior to becoming the head coach. He also has served as assistant athletic director and was co-head coach for the girls’ basketball team. Walkes, 40, teaches exceptional student education classes at Pahokee High and has been a teacher at the school since 2004. He graduated from Pahokee High in 1994 and played linebacker. Walkes attended Alabama A&M University and played defensive end before transferring to the University of South Alabama, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
- Youth Player of the Week: Tenard Summerall from the Overtown Tornadoes 14U of the National Youth Football League. Summerall plays both quarterback and cornerback for the Tornadoes. Last week, he threw two touchdowns and had one interception in a 33-0 victory over the Opa Locka Hurricanes.
- Team Mom of the Week: Marisella Readon from the Boca Braves of the Gold Coast Pop Warner League. Readon has overcome tremendous adversity as she lost her son earlier this year, who would have been on the Tiny Mite team (7U), yet she still finds the time and energy to support her older son’s team. She is always there when you need her and the first to take the initiative and volunteer her time. Readon never misses a practice or game and is there, not only for her son, but for all the boys on the team. This year, her Jr. Pee Wee team had an influx of new players which meant new moms to the organization. She welcomed everyone with open arms and has made them feel like family. Recently, Readon was appointed to the Braves’ board as scholastic coordinator because of her commitment to the scholastic performance of her players.
Each award recipient will be presented with a plaque on the field during the Nov. 27 Dolphins home game at Hard Rock Stadium against the San Francisco 49ers, and receive acknowledgement of their accomplishment in the game program and through the Dolphins’ and RISE’s social media platforms. They also will receive a pair of tickets to a Miami Dolphins home game and a Dolphins/RISE T-shirt.
As a newly added component of the program and part of the Dolphins/RISE partnership, winners will be empowered to make a difference by participating in a RISE training program where they will learn how to use the unifying power of sport to promote the importance and benefits of unity, equality and inclusiveness as well as address racial tensions their teams, schools and communities might experience.
Awardees also will be encouraged to take a pledge, committing to stand up to racial inequality and share how they plan to affect change by creating a “How I RISE” video message, which will be posted on RISEtoWIN.org.
About Miami Dolphins Youth Programs
The Miami Dolphins Youth Programs’ mission is to emphasize the importance of education, physical fitness and positive choices for kids in a safe and fun environment. The Miami Dolphins Youth Programs’ vision is to prepare the next generation of leaders in staying physically active through our Junior Training Camps (JTC), Youth Football Clinics and Youth Football Camps. The goal is to promote Youth Football in the South Florida community.
About the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE)
Founded in 2015 by Stephen M. Ross, the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to harnessing the unifying power of sports to advance race relations and drive social progress. Supported by an unprecedented alliance of sports leagues, organizations, educators, media networks, sports professionals and athletes, RISE uses sports as a vehicle to promote understanding, respect and equality. Through public awareness campaigns and educational programming, RISE aims to spark enduring action. To learn more, visit RISEtoWIN.org.
