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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 11:29 a.m., Friday, October 10, 2008

NFL: Ted Ginn Jr. ready to return to Dolphins' return game

By Omar Kelly
South Florida Sun-Sentinel

DAVIE, Fla. — Ted Ginn Jr. didn't need to turn on sports talk radio to hear critics nail him for running out of bounds twice against the Chargers with the Dolphins trying to run out the clock on their second straight victory.

Ginn got an earful from his father, Ted Sr., a high school coach, as he stepped inside his home following the game.

"When he saw me go out of bounds he made sure he talked to me about my awareness," said Ginn, who tied a career high by catching seven passes for 55 yards against the Chargers.

"It's always good to get the same feedback from everyone," said Ginn, who caught heat from coach Tony Sparano for the plays. "The coaches didn't tell me anything different than what my pops said."

Ginn would also like his old job back, that of primary returner.

In his rookie season, Ginn averaged 22.7 yards on kickoff returns and 9.6 on punt returns (which included a touchdown), which was sixth-best in the NFL. During the exhibition season he returned a punt for a 59-yard touchdown against the Chiefs.

Sparano said he replaced Ginn with rookie receiver and former University of Hawaii player Davone Bess because of Bess' tendency to make the first defender miss. Bess is averaging 11.2 yards on five punt returns and 19.8 on kickoffs.

"I luckily got out there last week. I enjoyed it and hope I can see more. But I'm just going with what my role is," said Ginn, who returned one punt 11 yards against San Diego but bobbled the catch. "Right now I'm playing a lot on the offensive side and need to make plays over there. But (returns) are what I do.

"It's frustrating, but it's not. If I continue to work hard, things will work out."