Family mourns passing of Miami Dolphins legend Don Shula in private funeral service
Legendary Miami Dolphins coach Don Shula was laid to rest Friday following a funeral service on Miami Beach.
The funeral, which was held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, and the burial were attended only by family, according to an associate of the coach.
Shula died on Monday at age 90.
The family and the Dolphins have said that a public ceremony to honor the NFL’s all-time leader in wins will be held when health conditions permit.
Donald Van Orsdel, president of the company that handled Shula’s funeral, said: “The family wants to get the word out that there are two organizations that Don loved and would prefer donations to them rather than sending flowers.”
Those organizations are: Don Shula Breast Research Cancer Fund at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa and Schott Communities in Cooper City for adult needs.
PRESEASON SCHEDULE
Lost somewhat amid the release of the Miami Dolphins’ regular-season schedule Thursday night was the announcement of the team’s preseason schedule.
The Dolphins will open preseason at the Atlanta Falcons in a game to be played sometime between Aug. 13 and 17.
The Dolphins will then play host to Philadelphia sometime between Aug. 20 and 24, and then host Detroit between Aug. 27 and 30.
Miami will finish the preseason schedule Sept. 3 or 4 at New Orleans.
All of the games will be televised on CBS-WFOR 4.
The NFL said it is planning a full, on-time season despite the national health crisis but will adjust if necessary. The Dolphins are scheduled to open the regular season Sept. 13 at New England.
SEASON TICKET HOLDER UPDATE
The Dolphins informed season-ticket holders this week that if games are canceled due to coronavirus or if no fans are permitted inside Hard Rock Stadium, they will have the option of receiving a full refund or a credit toward the 2021 season.
The letter includes additional questions, such as “what happens if there is a capacity reduction to accommodate social distancing at Hard Rock Stadium?”
The Dolphins answered that question this way: “Given the fluidity of the current situation, we will communicate any policies related to postponed, rescheduled or limited capacity games at the appropriate time.”
The Dolphins have prepared for scenarios that would involve having a full stadium at games, no fans or a limited number of fans in the 15,000 range.
Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez told The Miami Herald this week that it would be unrealistic to expect attendance anywhere near capacity at Dolphins games this season unless there is a major medical breakthrough by the time the season starts.
Here’s my Friday media piece with TV notes on the NFL schedule, including more on the Dolphins.
This story was originally published May 8, 2020 at 4:57 PM.
