With Phillip Merling’s Arrest Expect Jared Odrick to Start in Miami

May 27, 2010   ·   Robert Hoffman   ·   Jump to comments

By now, thanks to our real-time media world, you probably know that Miami Dolphins' defensive end Phillip Merling has been arrested for aggravated battery.
According to several reports, the alleged victim is also pregnant. I'm not writing to discuss the "innocent until proven guilty" debate. Clearly, there is NO excuse for striking a woman EVER.
I hope the allegations are untrue for the victim's sake not Merling's. I have to trust that the legal system will work itself out.
Regardless, Phillip Merling can not and will not start for the Miami Dolphins in 2010. He arguably won't even be on the team.
Merling's problem has never been a lack of talent. He just doesn't have the focus and work habits that an NFL starter needs.
Now, he has major legal troubles hanging over his head. How do you think his focus will be now?
Then there is the issue of what his teammates and peers will think. Sadly, domestic abuse is not all that uncommon in professional sports.
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