*** DOLPHINS NEWS ***

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Jul 29, 1996: -- Johnny Mitchell Retires --

A number of sources are indicating that TE Johnny Mitchell, who the Dolphins signed less than 2 weeks ago, has decided to retire. According to these sources, Mitchell has told Coach Johnson that he has "lost his desire for the game".

Mitchell was bothered by a chronic back problem that kept him from playing much of last year and this problem resurfaced last week in training camp.

The report originated this morning on WQAM radio in Miami and has been picked up by ESPN and the Associated Press news wires.

Replacing Mitchell as the starter will be TE Kerry Cash, who the Dolphins signed as a free agent from the Oakland Raiders.

My Comments:

It's been said that Mitchell was a head case - I guess that we've just found out that it's true. After all the effort Mitchell made to sign with the Dolphins, he certainly left in a big hurry. Clearly, he didn't feel like playing football any more.

As far as the salary cap is concerned, I expect that none of his salary will count against the cap. It's almost certain that if he decided to retire, he would be required by the terms of the contract to return his signing bonus and any other money paid to him, except perhaps two weeks of salary.

Related Info:

ESPNet:

Dolphins' Mitchell loses desire for game, retires

Sportline USA:

Dolphins' Te Mitchell Retires