Post by DyEaBoLiKaL on Aug 10, 2006 21:53:03 GMT -5
Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Manny Wright was reduced to tears on the practice field last year when scolded by coach Nick Saban, and their relationship remains rocky.
The 330-pound Wright left the team last week less than a week into training camp, and when he asked to be released or traded, Saban said no.
"We don't have any of this stuff -- `When it doesn't work here, let me go someplace else,"' Saban said Thursday.
"This is the real world. It's business. You have a job. You have a responsibility to do. If you're not capable of doing that responsibility for some reason, we'll certainly support you and help you. If you're not interested in doing that, we determine your fate. You don't."
The NFL granted the Dolphins a roster exemption Wednesday for Wright, meaning he doesn't count against their 80-player limit but can't practice.
The former Southern Cal lineman has said he takes medication for depression, and he has battled weight trouble since the Dolphins selected him in the fifth round of the supplemental draft last year.
"We've gone through a lot of things here, medical as well as psychological support," Saban said. "And we will continue to do that, if he is willing to do it.
"I have hope that he has hope that he can do what he's supposed to do so he can play for the Dolphins."
Wright, who played as a reserve in three games last season, hasn't practiced since Friday.
"Manny is one of those guys who still has a lot of maturing to do," tight end Randy McMichael said. "But the door is always open. Manny is still a part of this family. Hopefully he'll come back and be ready to play."
Wright's agent didn't return a phone call seeking comment.
The 330-pound Wright left the team last week less than a week into training camp, and when he asked to be released or traded, Saban said no.
"We don't have any of this stuff -- `When it doesn't work here, let me go someplace else,"' Saban said Thursday.
"This is the real world. It's business. You have a job. You have a responsibility to do. If you're not capable of doing that responsibility for some reason, we'll certainly support you and help you. If you're not interested in doing that, we determine your fate. You don't."
The NFL granted the Dolphins a roster exemption Wednesday for Wright, meaning he doesn't count against their 80-player limit but can't practice.
The former Southern Cal lineman has said he takes medication for depression, and he has battled weight trouble since the Dolphins selected him in the fifth round of the supplemental draft last year.
"We've gone through a lot of things here, medical as well as psychological support," Saban said. "And we will continue to do that, if he is willing to do it.
"I have hope that he has hope that he can do what he's supposed to do so he can play for the Dolphins."
Wright, who played as a reserve in three games last season, hasn't practiced since Friday.
"Manny is one of those guys who still has a lot of maturing to do," tight end Randy McMichael said. "But the door is always open. Manny is still a part of this family. Hopefully he'll come back and be ready to play."
Wright's agent didn't return a phone call seeking comment.
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