*** DOLPHINS NEWS ***

---

May 10, 1996: -- Klingbeil Has Surgery --

Chuck Klingbeil has had successful arthoscopic surgery on his left shoulder and should be ready to participate in training camp in July, according to the team. More information on his injury was not available.

Klingbeil started 15 games last year for the Dolphins at defensive tackle, where he registered 59 tackles.

Also in the news, the NFL players association (NFLPA) has sent the Dolphins a warning letter about the nature of the practices that went on during the Dolphins recent mini-camp. Apparently several players complained to the Union that there was too much contact during the mini-camp.

According to the NFLPA, their collective bargaining agreement with the league states that no hitting is too take place during the off-season and at mini-camps. They believe that some of the one-on-one drills that the Dolphins were having violated that part of agreement and warned the Dolphins that they were in danger of violating the agreement.

Six teams throughout the league received warning letters similar to the ones that the Dolphins received.

Trace Armstrong, the president of the NFLPA, is one of the players thought to have complained to the union about the drills.

My Comments:

Hopefully, Chuck will be fully healed in time for training camp in July. With his starting spot already in question due to the drafting of Daryl Gardener and the reported interest that JJ has in Norman Hand, Klingbeil needs to in training camp to compete.

As far as the NFLPA's complaints are concerned - I don't think I've ever heard a bigger load of BS in my life. What do they think this is, Baseball???? As JJ says, this game is about hitting, with or without pads.

If you see certain players on the bench this summer and fall and you don't know why they aren't playing, you might remember that some "unnamed" players felt it necessary to complain this spring.

And I have a hunch I should move Trace Armstrong to the bottom of my depth chart at defensive end.

Related Info:

Nando.Net (NFLPA):

NFL Players Association says Johnson's practices too rough

Nando.Net (Klingbeil):

Dolphins' Klingbeil undergoes shoulder surgery

USAToday:

USA Today NFL News

Sportsline USA:

Dolphins Nt Klingbeil Undergoes Shoulder Surgery