Philip Merling (Dolphins) arrested for battery against pregnant woman

[ethat001]

I remember people were talking about drafting this guy in 2008 -- I'm glad we passed on him!

Phillip Merling of Miami Dolphins on field after assault arrest - ESPN

DAVIE, Fla. -- Defensive end Phillip Merling was in practice with the Miami Dolphins on Friday, less than 24 hours being freed from jail following a charge of aggravated battery against a pregnant woman.

Merling did not speak with reporters.

He's the fourth Dolphins player to be arrested this offseason, something coach Tony Sparano called "frustrating." Sparano also said the NFL is investigating the incident.

Merling was arrested in Weston, Fla. on Wednesday, then released from Broward County Jail on $15,000 bond and with orders that he stay away from the woman, who is his girlfriend.

Court records show the woman is 2 months pregnant with the couple's second child.

[warpaint]

This is up there with Big Ben. I hate people that put hands on women. He should be suspended without question.

[tryfuhl]

oh wow.. saw the arrest headline yesterday but didn't say pregnant woman so didn't bother reading

[14WOODS]

What a scumbag, hopefully she can take all his money.

[Dirtbag59]

As much as I love Allen and Shannahan the fact remains that character concerns aren't high on their priority list. I wouldn't be surprised if they took a run on him after he gets released. T.O. is the only problem child that Allen and Shanahan have even really considered staying away from.

[tryfuhl]

Originally Posted by Dirtbag359

As much as I love Allen and Shannahan the fact remains that character concerns aren't high on their priority list. I wouldn't be surprised if they took a run on him after he gets released. T.O. is the only problem child that Allen and Shanahan have even really considered staying away from.

I wouldn't go that far

[SmootSmack]

Didn't realize it was a pregnant woman either, I actually thought he had gotten into an altercation at a club.

But again, is it proven he did this? If so, completely inexcusable. If he didn't...

And not to devert this to a TO thread. But TO isn't a "problem child" in this alleged way. TO doesn't get in trouble with the law

[Longtimefan]

Wasn't there talk about him being on the skins radar, just before he was drafted?

Guys continue making the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

[GMScud]

Another quality individual from the U.

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by GMScud

Another quality individual from the U.

Think you've got him confused with someone else, unless you're thinking Clemson U.

[SmootSmack]

Damn shame

Sheriff Questions Dolphin's Release From Jail - cbs4.com

[mredskins]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

Didn't realize it was a pregnant woman either, I actually thought he had gotten into an altercation at a club.

But again, is it proven he did this? If so, completely inexcusable. If he didn't...

And not to devert this to a TO thread. But TO isn't a "problem child" in this alleged way. TO doesn't get in trouble with the law

Seriously people love to group TO in with criminals, he may be a pain the locker room but as far as I know he is far from being a wife beater or a crook of any kind.

[tryfuhl]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

Damn shame

Sheriff Questions Dolphin's Release From Jail - cbs4.com

wtg cops

[SBXVII]

Originally Posted by mredskins

Seriously people love to group TO in with criminals, he may be a pain the locker room but as far as I know he is far from being a wife beater or a crook of any kind.

I think a lot is peoples personal feelings about certain crimes. I'd take a Vick over Merling any day but others wouldn't. Heck I'd take T.O. over this joker.

To me it boils down to the team needs, and the talent level of the problem player. If it was Galloway or Wade with T.O.'s issues I'd say no way cause their talent wouldn't out weight the price in the locker room. Some people have that mind set with T.O. even though his production last yr was still better then any of our WR's, and he played in a crappy offense also.

I'm beginning to see the NFL like the WWF (or whatever it is now)... fans have players they just don't like. Doesn't matter the talent, they just don't like them and don't want them on their team. They might take a 100 Merlings but with out a doubt don't take 1 T.O.

[mredskins]

Originally Posted by SBXVII

I think a lot is peoples personal feelings about certain crimes. I'd take a Vick over Merling any day but others wouldn't. Heck I'd take T.O. over this joker.

To me it boils down to the team needs, and the talent level of the problem player. If it was Galloway or Wade with T.O.'s issues I'd say no way cause their talent wouldn't out weight the price in the locker room. Some people have that mind set with T.O. even though his production last yr was still better then any of our WR's, and he played in a crappy offense also.

I'm beginning to see the NFL like the WWF (or whatever it is now)... fans have players they just don't like. Doesn't matter the talent, they just don't like them and don't want them on their team. They might take a 100 Merlings but with out a doubt don't take 1 T.O.

I think you are missing the point it is not a question of liking him or not, the guy is not a criminal.