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Marino trying to keep it low-key
Posted: Sunday March 12, 2000 07:42 PM
DAVIE, Fla. (AP) -- The Miami Dolphins are expecting the biggest media event in the 35-year history of the organization, possibly bigger than Don Shula's and Jimmy Johnson's retirements combined. Dan Marino, the most prolific passer in NFL history will announce his retirement Monday, ending a 17-year career with the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins have called a news conference for 10 a.m. EST at the team's training facility. Miami officials have put in countless hours the last two days to get the meeting room ready, the same room that hosted Shula and Johnson during their departure speeches. This one is sure to be bigger. "I don't think the room is big enough, but we have to make do with what it is because we understand Danny wants to low-key it and that was his preference," said Harvey Greene, the team's vice president of media relations. The big, cushy chairs in the meeting room have been replaced by much smaller folding chairs and several tables were removed to make more room for the media. The Dolphins also have hired an audio-visual coordinator to handle the load of dozens of television crews that are expected to be on hand. They also are bringing in a transcription service to quickly take down Marino's every word. "He's never wanted to bring attention on himself; he doesn't want to make this into a big deal," Greene said. "Although any time Dan does anything in this market, it's a big deal." Indeed. Marino, 38, wanted to go out like John Elway and retire as a Super Bowl champion. But after parting ways with the Dolphins, Marino reluctantly rejected an offer to play this year for the Minnesota Vikings. Friends said Marino turned the deal down because of his bad knees, his loyalty to the Dolphins and his unwillingness to be separated from his wife and five children for an extended time. "All of us have to respect Dan for the right to make the decision," Shula said. "Something like this is never easy. I went through it my final year." Marino's records could last for decades. He holds NFL career marks for touchdowns (420), yardage (61,361) and completions (4,967). Vikings coach Dennis Green thought Marino could have extended his career as well as his passing numbers. "He still in my opinion has the capability to play," Green said. "I'm happy we offered him an opportunity. He had a choice clear-cut. He made the decision, and I've got the utmost respect and best wishes for him." Marino voided his contract in February and became a free agent. It was apparent Marino had played his last game in Miami when the Dolphins signed free-agent quarterback Jay Fiedler to a three-year, $3.8 million deal. Friends said Marino simmered about the way he was treated at the end, but he declined to complain in public. It was unclear whether Dolphins coach Dave Wannstedt or former coach Jimmy Johnson will be on hand for Marino's announcement. "I know coach Shula will be there," Harvey Greene said. "That's the only person Dan wanted to contact and reach out to."
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