MIAMI — In an unexpected turn of events during last Sunday’s home game, the Miami Dolphins’ beloved mascot, T.D., found himself at the center of controversy following what team officials have called “an excessively aggressive and unapproved touchdown celebration.”
Witnesses say the incident began late in the third quarter after the Dolphins scored a 60-yard touchdown, putting them up by three scores against their division rivals. As the stadium erupted in cheers, T.D. — wearing his signature teal and orange dolphin costume — bolted onto the field riding a miniature motorized surfboard, trailing smoke and confetti.
The celebration, however, quickly escalated into chaos. T.D. attempted a backflip off the surfboard at midfield, but miscalculated his landing and collided with a line judge. The official was unharmed, but several members of the coaching staff had to restrain the mascot after he proceeded to spike a replica football at the 50-yard line and mock the opposing team’s bench with an exaggerated dance that resembled the worm.
Security briefly escorted T.D. to the sideline, where Dolphins executives gathered in a huddle more serious than any seen during the game itself. Within hours, the team issued a formal statement suspending the mascot for four games, citing “conduct detrimental to the team’s professional image” and “reckless disregard for sideline boundaries.”
“This is not who we are as an organization,” said
