Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel has once again given a cryptic answer on whether he was caught vaping on the sidelines, after a video of him appearing to do so went viral.
The Dolphins boss was spotted by internet detectives appearing to vape on the sidelines during the third quarter of the NFL 's AFC Wild Card game against the Buffalo Bills last season.
After he appeared on the popular Barstool Sports " Pardon My Take ” podcast, host Dan Katz asked whether McDaniel was vaping on the sidelines or if the wafting smoke in the air was due to the extreme cold weather.
Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa backed his head coach around the time of the incident stating his belief that he doesn't think Coach McDaniel is a "vaper." Nonetheless, McDaniel proved Tua wrong in the most secretive way possible.
"Vaping? Like water vape? Hmm. What a confusing question," said McDaniel. "I don’t know this technology you speak of.
"Having said that, I will leave you with this. In past lives, I have vaped. Regardless, just the idea of that being something that people are talking about after a playoff game is annoying enough to provoke me to never do it again, and I’ve since quit, classic McDaniel style, cold turkey, just like alcohol.”
It seems like an admission that finally puts the vaping rumours to bed - at least regarding using a vape at any point in the past. As for the infamous sideline incident during the game, McDaniel reverted to his mysterious remarks, allowing the incident to continue being left open for interpretation by internet spectators with their opinions.
“But you know, as far as [during] a game, I’m sorry I wish I were better schooled on the subject,” McDaniel said. "I just don’t know what you guys are talking about.”
The Dolphins organisation has been on an upward trajectory since the arrival of the 40-year-old coach in 2022. Under his leadership, the team made it to the postseason for the first time since 2016, spearheaded by the potent offensive abilities of Tua, Tyreke Hill, and Jaylen Waddle.
The team has also made headlines after being rumoured as a top destination for Dalvin Cook - who was officially released by the Minnesota Vikings today.
McDaniel has a track record of avoiding the majority of questions fielded by the media and instead electing to apply a comedic twist that makes journalists forget their original questions. Known as a content machine, McDaniel responded humorously to wanting Justin Fields to stop scrambling during a game and not being afraid to discuss how much money he makes as a head coach.
