Here's another reason we can't trust in Mayes......
BY JASON COLE AND ETHAN J. SKOLNICK
jcole@herald.com
Tight end Alonzo Mayes' chances of making the Dolphins roster were damaged when he twisted his
right ankle Monday night while running at home.
At least that was Mayes' version.
He left the Dolphins training facility Tuesday on crutches and with his right leg in a hard cast after being unable to practice on the first day of the team's three-day quarterback school. Mayes said he w ill be out at least one week with what he called a ''severe'' sprain.
''I just twisted it,'' Mayes said. ``A truly freak accident.''
Asked how it happened, Mayes said, ``I really don't know how I did it. I just twisted it and it really popped.''
The Dolphins believe Mayes hurt himself playing basketball. Mayes denied that. But tight ends coach Pat Jones smiled and said, ''I suspect it was some of this,'' motioning as if dribbling a basketball.'We don't have anything in their contract that says they can't play, so what can you do?'' Jones said.
``He could get hurt out here just as easy. You just want them to be responsible.''
The injury is the latest mishap for Mayes since he was acquired in a trade during the 2000 season. Mayes, who turned 27 Tuesday, missed all last season after a shoulder injury in the offseason program required surgery.
Earlier this offseason, Mayes angered the Dolphins' coaching staff after returning from a month off weighing more than 300 pounds. He was down to 270 pounds during the last quarterback school in May and has generally done everything asked of him.
''Alonzo is really the dark horse in this whole thing,'' Jones said. ``He could be the starter or he could not even be on the team. This offense is really suited to what he can do.''