Miami Dolphins fans demonstrate at team headquarters

DAVIE, Fla. - Protesters began to gather on the property of the Miami Dolphins' training facility Tuesday afternoon to voice their concerns with the direction of the franchise.

About 30 people, including four men with paper bags over their heads and another one clutching a Dan Marino doll, said recent decisions by Dolphins' management led to what is believed to be the first protest of the franchise by its fan base.

More protesters are expected in the next hour.

The protest was scheduled for 1 p.m., and some of the men said they learned of the gathering through social media website, and talk radio.

The Dolphins have come under fire in recent days after their failed pursuits of prime free agent quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Matt Flynn. The Dolphins announced theiy had signed former Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback David Garrard to a contract Monday night. Garrard missed the 2011 season after surgery to repair a herniated disc.

Some fans held signs that read "FIRELAND," a reference to general manager Jeff Ireland. A few cars honked as the protesters yelled, clapped and at one point chanted, "Jeff Ireland's got to go."

Protesters had been standing on Miami Dolphins' property. They were politely asked to protest across the street.

A police officer asked the protesters to stay off the road and added, "I would be with you."

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