The Miami Dolphins announced Sunday defensive back Don Jones was fined and excused from team activities until he undergoes sensitivity training after his tweets about Michael Sam, the NFL's first openly gay player.
"We were disappointed to read Don's tweets during the NFL draft," Dolphins coach Joe Philbin said in a statement. "They were inappropriate and unacceptable, and we regret the negative impact these comments had on such an important weekend for the NFL.
"We met with Don (Sunday) about respect, discrimination and judgment. These comments are not consistent with the values and standards of our program. We will continue to emphasize and educate our players that these statements will not be tolerated."
Jones, 23, wrote the word "horrible" on Saturday after Sam was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the seventh round with the 249th pick overall and was shown kissing his boyfriend on ESPN.
"I want to apologize to Michael Sam for the inappropriate comments that I made last night on social media," Jones said in a statement issued by the Dolphins.
"I take full responsibility for them and I regret that these tweets took away from his draft moment. I remember last year when I was drafted in the seventh round and all of the emotions and happiness I felt when I received the call that gave me an opportunity to play for an NFL team and I wish him all the best in his NFL career.
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"I sincerely apologize to Mr. (Stephen) Ross, my teammates, coaches, staff and fans for these tweets. I am committed to represent the values of the Miami Dolphins organization and appreciate the opportunity I have been given to do so going forward."
The Dolphins are coming off a season marred by a bullying scandal, and Philbin and other team officials have pledged to create a more positive working environment.
Jones appeared in all 16 games as a rookie in 2013.
