Rey Maualuga was released by the Dolphins shortly after being arrested on battery chargers in Miami-Dade County early Saturday morning, the team announced.
While details around Mauaulga’s arrest have not surfaced publicly, the development continues a string of unpleasant stories for the Dolphins this season.
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The linebacker signed a one-year deal with Miami in August and played in six games this season, starting in four. Mike Hull will likely take his place in the starting lineup when Miami hosts the Buccaneers Sunday, per the Miami Herald.
The Dolphins promoted running back De’Veon Smith from the practice squad to fill the roster spot opened by Maualuga’s exit.
Maualuga, who spent the first eight years of his NFL career with the Bengals, pled guilty to DUI in 2010 in Kentucky, the Herald notes.
It’s been a tumultuous season for the 4-5 Dolphins. They lost quarterback Ryan Tannehill to a season-ending knee injury in training camp. Their city was impacted by Hurricane Irma, causing their scheduled Week 1 game against the Bucs to be moved to this Sunday. Linebacker Lawrence Timmons was suspended for a game for going AWOL. Offensive line coach Chris Foerster was fired after video of him snorting what appeared to be cocaine was made public and star running back Jay Ajayi was jettisoned in a trade to the Eagles.