DAVIE - If anyone knows what it's like to butt heads with Bill Parcells, it's Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor, one of several professional athletes participating in Jason Taylor's annual charity golf tournament at Grande Oaks Golf Club on Monday.
Lawrence Taylor,
who made a habit of holding out during his Giants days when Parcells was a first-time coach, said that when Dolphins Pro Bowl defensive end Jason Taylor finally shows up to play, any differences the two may have had will be forgotten.
"I'm quite sure all that stuff changes when they hit the field," said L.T., who won two Super Bowls while playing for Parcells his entire career. "If you prove to him that you could play the game and be one of his guys he can count on every Sunday, you'll have no problems with him."
While his teammates were working out in a "voluntary" practice a half-mile away, Jason Taylor continued to dance around questions about training camp, but did say he would soon begin preparations to play football.
Taylor reserved the right to change his mind about playing one more year. He has two years left on his contract.
"I know people have said things before. Coach [Nick] Saban said things before and changed his mind," Taylor said of his former coach who waffled before bolting the Dolphins to coach Alabama. "This is America and we have the freedom to do that, but that's my plan right now."
Lawrence Taylor believes that whether Jason Taylor attends offseason workouts or is on time for training camp in late July is an
overblown issue.
"Maybe for timing and some conditioning, but he's been dancing with the stars," Taylor said.
"A veteran like Jason, a week, 10 days, he'll have enough training camp."Former Titans running back Eddie George ended his sterling nine-year career after one season in Dallas in 2004, when he didn't see eye to eye with Parcells, then Cowboys coach.
"Jason still has it, so he has to get in the right situation where he's appreciated," George said.
Heat center Alonzo Mourning, who forced a trade out of New Jersey and eventually rejoined Miami to get his title, identifies with Taylor's plight.
"He has been the ultimate professional," Mourning said. "I don't think the Dolphins realize how much of a jewel he is in the community and the impact he has on other people's lives.
"That alone should move the Dolphins to keep him around. But at the same time, the man wants to win. That's how it was for me. I reached the stage of my career where I knew that the clock was ticking, and I knew that I only had a good three to five years left, and I wanted to be part of a winning situation."
Perhaps, fences are being mended as Jason Taylor gratefully acknowledged the presence of coach Tony Sparano and GM Jeff Ireland at his charity dinner/auction Sunday night.
Lawrence Taylor feels that the 1-15 Dolphins' lack of talent will also lead to an eventual truce between Jason Taylor and Parcells.
"The guy can play football," Lawrence Taylor said. "Hell, you ain't got six or seven players on that team anyway, so I don't see a problem." 
L.T. has spoken!
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