It turns out the rumors were true. The Miami Dolphins were having conversations with Bucs quarterback Tom Brady and former Saints coach Sean Payton about joining their franchise.

The problem is – that’s tampering.

The NFL revealed that an independent investigation had concluded and found the Dolphins and owner Stephen Ross guilty of tampering and “impermissible communications” with Brady while he was a member of the New England Patriots in 2019-20 and while he was under contract the Bucs in 2021. Brady’s communication was with his friend, Bruce Beal, who is the Dolphins’ vice chairman and limited partner.

The investigation revealed that discussions surrounded “Mr. Brady becoming a limited partner in the Dolphins and possibly serving as a football executive, although at times they also included the possibility of playing for the Dolphins.”

Dolphins Receive Harsh Punishment

As a result, the Dolphins were punished by the NFL on Tuesday as the result of those findings were made public. Miami will forfeit its 2023 first-round pick and a third-round pick in 2024.

Ross is also “suspended through October 17, 2022. During this time he may not be present at the facility. Nor can he represent the club at any team or league event. Furthermore, he cannot attend any League meeting prior to the 2023 Annual Meeting, is removed from all committees indefinitely, and is fined $1.5 million.”

Beal was fined $500,000 and may not attend any League meeting this season.

Brady Denied Dolphins Rumors In June

Brady was asked about any possible conversations he had with Miami during the offseason following the Bucs mini-camp after he came out of retirement to play with Tampa Bay for the 2022 season.

“Again, I had a lot of conversations with a lot of people as I’ve had for the last three or four years in my career about different opportunities when I am done playing football,” Brady said in June. “I kind of made a decision of what I’d like to do. I’ll get to be in the game of football. I think the most important thing is where I’m at now and what I hope to do for this team. That has been my commitment to this team and organization.

“It’s been so much fun [since] I came here two years ago. It’s been almost two and a half years now, and it’s been an incredible part of my football journey. And it’s not over – we’ve still got a lot to accomplish. I’ve got a long life ahead and there are a lot of fun things to do ahead. I’m looking forward to what’s ahead in football. But at the same time, none of us are promised much beyond what we have now. And this is the current moment. I’m really excited about going out there and trying to compete and win a championship.”

Dolphins Also Found Guilty Of Tampering With Payton

The Dolphins were also found guilty of tampering with Payton. Miami wanted him to be its head coach with Brady possibly playing quarterback.

“I know of no prior instance of a team violating the prohibition on tampering with both a head coach and star player, to the potential detriment of multiple other clubs, over a period of several years,” NFL commissioner Rodger Goodell said. “Similarly, I know of no prior instance in which ownership was so directly involved in the violations.”

The Dolphins put out a statement from Ross denying the tampering allegations.