Story by the Associated Press; curated by Dave Urbanski
DAVIE, Fla. (AP) — After the Miami Dolphins took Tennessee tackle Ja'Wuan James with the 19th overall choice in the NFL draft Thursday, center Mike Pouncey thought he'd post a lighthearted reaction online.
FILE - In this Nov. 4, 2013, file photo, Miami Dolphins center Mike Pouncey wipes his head with a towel during NFL football practice in Davie, Fla. (Image source: AP/Lynne Sladky)
"Great pick! I can't wait for our gifts he's getting us lol," Pouncey tweeted.
Pouncey was implicated in the Dolphins' 2013 bullying scandal, in which he followed guard Richie Incognito's lead in harassing Jonathan Martin, who left the team during the season, investigations found. Pressure on Martin to give other linemen gifts was part of an alleged pattern of harassment.
Pouncey is only offensive line starter from last season still with the team.
So you might say Dolphins execs didn't chuckle at Pouncey's jab. In fact, less than 24 hours after his tweet was posted, Pouncey's Twitter account was deactivated.
General manager Dennis Hickey said he cleared the air with Pouncey regarding the tweet on Friday.
"Mike understands that sometimes things can be taken out of context, and what's meant as a lighthearted comment can be taken out of context," Hickey said. "He was good with that, and understands that social media is a great tool to reach our fans for the positive, but you just have to make good choices with that. So we're all good."
James said he had no problem with Pouncey's tweet.
"He's probably just playing and just saying things," James said. "It's all part of the process being a rookie. I'm just looking forward to coming in and working."
