Favoritism and Media Bias Cast Shadow Over Palisades Dolphins Football Program

Team Morale Under Threat In the wake of the California wildfires, the Palisades Dolphins football program has become a symbol of resilience. But beneath the surface of its recovery effort, questions are mounting about disproportionate media coverage, questionable coaching decisions, and the impact of favoritism on team morale. At the center of the controversy is head coach Dylen Smith, whose consistent preference for two players: Dezeurn, nephew of assistant coach DT Dezeurn, and Jack Thomas, son of a prominent fundraiser—has created rifts within the locker room.

Media Spotlight on Favorites

Local sports journalist Eric Sondheimer of the Los Angeles Times has drawn criticism for his unbalanced coverage of the Dolphins. In article after article, Sondheimer heaps praise on Dezeurn and Thomas while largely ignoring the contributions of other standout players.

Mistakes made by both Dezeurn and Thomas, such as missed coverage, fatigue, or lapses in judgment, rarely if ever appear in print.Film shows that in one critical matchup Dezeurn—whose speed has long been touted as “record-breaking”—was out maneuvered by a Brentwood receiver, leading to a touchdown against the Dolphins this past week. Dezeurn, 5' 8" and 140 lbs. isn't a defensive player and it shows. Why was he put in?

In another instance, Thomas broke down in tears after a teammate’s unsportsmanlike conduct wiped out a touchdown and a father asked him why he usually throws to one receiver over others--a scene that teammates say underscored constant favoritism. Yet these episodes never surfaced in Sondheimer’s reports.

Coaching Decisions Under Fire

Critics say the issue extends far beyond the press box. Coach Smith has repeatedly been accused of poor in-game management, particularly because of his habit of inserting his favorite offensive players into defensive positions—even when seasoned, trained defensive players are available but were taken out. Dezeurn had a pick that he impressively ran in for a touchdown but the ball was thrown right to him. Any safety would have returned that pick. Dezeurn was burned by a Brentwood player who out maneuvered him with ease, for a touchdown.

Game film shows that Smith’s management has left experienced defensive players sidelined while visibly tired favorites are told to play both sides. The result: squandered opportunities, questionable matchups, and increasing frustration from players who have trained specifically for the roles they are denied due to seeming favoritism.The inconsistency of Smith’s discipline has also raised eyebrows. Against Brentwood, Palisades player Harrison Carter, #6, fumbled the ball for a turnover, a costly mistake that most players say would normally lead to immediate benching. Yet instead of holding him accountable, Coach Smith allowed Carter to continue playing on both offense and defense and make yet another major off side blunder. For teammates, the double standard was obvious—and another clear example of favoritism.

Favoritism Causing Division

The favoritism has ripple effects across the program. Players who put in the work on and off the field are left overshadowed, while social media accounts tied to the Dolphins highlight only Dezeurn and Thomas. The lopsided spotlight has fueled resentment, dividing the team and alienated athletes whose performances often eclipse those of the coach’s favorites.Fundraising efforts tied to Thomas’s family and family connections for Dezeurn only deepen the perception of inequity. What should be a merit-based system, critics argue, has become entangled in nepotism, greed, and politics.

Smith’s Ambitions and Outside Endorsements

Insiders suggest that Coach Smith’s ambitions extend beyond Palisades and that he may be using his tenure there as a stepping stone towards a career as a college coach. His tendency to elevate certain players has been interpreted not only as favoritism but as a strategy to showcase connections and narratives that could bolster his own reputation. Gavin Carlson, former UCLA Bruin’s reporter and current Angels Sports Show host for  @LockedOnNetwork, recommended that UCLA scrap its current search for a new head coach and choose Smith instead.

The Bigger Picture

For a program rebuilding in the aftermath of tragedy, unity and fairness are essential. But when coaches and media alike appear to elevate a select few while neglecting the broader team effort, the integrity of the program comes into question.As the Dolphins fight to recover not just from wildfires but from within, the real story may not be about the “stars” highlighted in headlines, but about the overlooked athletes whose dedication and performances deserve equal recognition.Until then, the Dolphins remain a team with a divided spotlight—where the brilliance of many is dimmed by the favoritism and toxicity of a few.