Just what the Miami Dolphins don't need: another player problem. And yet, they have it in regard to center Mike Pouncey.
Already facing questions in connection to disgraced former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez, Pouncey wasn't a practice Friday as the Dolphins prepared to meet the San Diego Chargers.
There was no immediate explanation for Pouncey's absence, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported.
However, reports indicated Pouncey was ordered to pay for an incident in the Dolphins' game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
To add to his current woes: #Dolphins OL Mike Pouncey was fined $7,875 for unnecessary roughness, striking an opponent in the head.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 15, 2013
Also Friday, Dolphins linemate Jonathan Martin meet an NFL investigator in New York to provide information on the bullying scandal that rocked the team in recent weeks. On Thursday, Richie Incognito -- the man fingered in Martin's alleged abuse -- filed a grievance against the team after it suspended him for conduct detrimental to the franchise.
Pouncey was not on the team's Thursday injured list, the Sun-Sentinel noted. The team is already thin on the offensive line with starters Martin and Incognito out of action.
It has been three weeks since Pouncey was served a subpoena to appear before a Massachusetts grand jury investigating Hernandez. That case involves trafficking in illegal weapons, NBCSports.com noted.
Hernandez is jailed in the summer slaying of acquaintance Odin Lloyd, while an investigation continues into his connections to a double homicide a year earlier.
Reports indicate Pouncey had yet to testify.
Meanwhile, the NFL penalized another Dolphins player for his actions against the Bucs.
Dolphins LB Phillip Wheeler was fined $21K for roughing QB Mike Glennon helmet to helmet.
— Armando Salguero (@ArmandoSalguero) November 15, 2013