DAVIE, Fla. (July 27, 2005) -- Miami Dolphins rookie Manuel Wright apparently is having a difficult time adjusting to the NFL.
The 6-foot-6, 290-pound defensive tackle from Southern California -- the only pick in this month's supplemental draft -- broke down in tears during an on-field workout session.
Dolphins coach Nick Saban appeared to be shouting, or at least talking very sternly, to Wright, who was later seen walking off the field, escorted by a member of the team's staff, and lifting the front of his shirt to wipe away tears.
Exactly what Saban said that upset Wright was unclear. Team policy does not allow reporters access to players following a midday interview period.
"As you well know, young players need to develop the kind of mental toughness and attitude that they need to be professionals," Saban said. "So we are trying to help him with that, too, which may be why we need to get on him a little at times."
Wright was eligible for the supplemental draft because he is three years out of high school. As a sophomore at USC last season, he had 23 tackles, including six for losses, and recovered two fumbles.
Saban said the rookie has struggled a bit so far with muscle soreness and other issues, and believes Wright is "probably not in as good of shape as he needs to be in."
"I got on him about what we wanted him to try to do at least today, to try and work himself through it, and he responded well to it," Saban said.
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