The Miami Dolphins’ season went from bad to worse on Sunday — and not just because of another heartbreaking loss. Miami fell to 1-5 after a 29-27 defeat to the Los Angeles Chargers, capped by a game-winning field goal as time expired. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa struggled again, tossing three costly interceptions that helped doom the Dolphins. But it was what he said after the game that really set off a storm.
Speaking to reporters, Tua Tagovailoa said the team’s “leadership in the locker room needs to be better” and claimed that some teammates have been showing up late — or skipping — player meetings entirely. He didn’t name anyone, but the comments were enough to spark backlash from fans and former players alike, who accused him of throwing his teammates under the bus.
Former NFL lineman Andrew Whitworth didn’t hold back, posting on social media:
“Woof… That’s on you bud.”
Ex-Cowboys wideout Dez Bryant also chimed in, saying Tua Tagovailoa needs to take more responsibility after his rough performance.
“Tua threw three picks today… If you haven’t said this privately first, then in the media, I don’t respect it,” Bryant wrote. “I guarantee a lot of the players don’t respect Tua. He points the finger and literally has four pointing back at him.”
Even former Dolphins practice squad receiver DaeSean Hamilton shared his own story, recalling that Tua Tagovailoa himself was late to his first team meeting.
“This dude — the starting QB — was late to the first team meeting during my three seconds on the Dolphins, and everything was all cool,” Hamilton said.
Some fans tried to defend Tua Tagovailoa, suggesting he was simply acknowledging leadership issues within the team. But many saw it as a poor move to reveal internal problems to the public — something NFL locker rooms typically frown upon.
For head coach Mike McDaniel and the Dolphins, the focus now has to shift back to fixing things on the field. But until Miami starts winning, the drama surrounding Tua and the team doesn’t look like it’s ending anytime soon.
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