Dolphins’ Mike Pouncey makes light of hazing in tweet to draft pick

What seemed to Miami Dolphins center Mike Pouncey as a harmless tweet-and-greet for first-round draft pick Ja’Wuan James drew the ire of team management in the aftermath of the Richie Incognito-Jonathan Martin bullying scandal of last season.

“Great pick! I can’t wait for our gifts he’s getting us lol,” read Pouncey’s tweet Thursday regarding the selection of James, an offensive tackle from Tennessee.

Pouncey, the only returning starter on the offensive line for Miami, was implicated in taking part in the hazing of younger linemen, which included having them buy gifts for fellow linemen.

James didn’t have a problem with the tweet. “He’s probably just playing and just saying things,” the No. 19 overall pick said. “It’s all part of the process being a rookie. I’m just looking forward to coming in and working.”

Dolphins General Manager Dennis Hickey had a different view, though. Hickey met with Pouncey on Friday, when the center’s Twitter account was deactivated, according to reports.

“Mike understands that sometimes things can be taken out of context, and what’s meant as a lighthearted comment can be taken out of context,” Hickey said. “He was good with that, and understands that social media is a great tool to reach our fans for the positive, but you just have to make good choices with that.”