Tua Tagovailoa was extremely forthright with Dan LeBatard about his relationship with former Dolphins head coach Brian Flores.
Tua's description of negative reinforcement and belittling had a toxic influence on his mental health. He has spent the past two years "training that out" of himself.
Whereas Tua was specific about the language used and the events that spanned over two years, his former coach (and current Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator) Brian Flores was vague in his response to the question asking his reaction to Tua's interview.
Flores said the reason he got into football was to build relationships and work with young people. He said that he was happy for Tua's success but was now focused on the Minnesota Vikings.
Brian Flores on Tua Tagovailoa: pic.twitter.com/HBu7fxOvRt
— Jordan Dajani (@JordanDajani) August 20, 2024
Flores did not say that Tua was not telling the truth. He never attacked Tua's credibility or claimed that there was a miscommunication or misunderstanding. He unofficially owned the behavior Tua described.
This is not the classic case of only two people knowing the true story. Dolphins offensive tackle Austin Jackson corroborated Tua's claims. Jackson reiterated the change that happened when current head coach Mike McDaniel assumed the job.
RGIII sums it up best.
Tua Tagovailoa is A HUGE LIFE LESSON FOR ALL OF US on the power of the tongue. For 2 years, Brian Flores tore down Tua’s confidence and his play reflected it. Mike McDaniel met Tua where he was at, focused on what he did best & empowered him to improve everywhere. POWERFUL. pic.twitter.com/J2NEBIk8et
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) August 20, 2024
