Report: Dolphins DE Vernon fined for low hit on Mariota; will appeal
Following his controversial low hit on Marcus Mariota Sunday, Miami Dolphins defensive end vowed that he's not a dirty player. Though it didn't seem to make a difference in the NFL's eyes.
On Wednesday, Vernon said he was fined by the league for the hit that caused a sprained MCL for Mariota, according to ProFootballTalk. The Dolphins DE reportedly plans to appeal:
Vernon was flagged on the play for diving at Mariota's knees, though he sounds adamant that there was no intent behind the tackle. Vernon even sent get-well wishes to Mariota via Twitter. Additionally, Vernon discussed just how expensive those fines can get.
I’ve never been a dirty player. I never intended to hurt anyone. I even checked to make sure Marcus was ok. #mariotagetwellsoon
— Olivier Vernon (@oliviervernon50) October 19, 2015
"I know one thing: It wasn't intentional," Vernon said, via James Walker of ESPN. "I've never been a dirty player in my whole career. Nobody tries to get personal fouls. I know one thing, they are expensive."
Regardless of intent, the NFL saw Vernon's hit as dangerous enough to hand out a fine, especially with it causing an injury to Mariota.
