Dolphins’ Merling on field after assault arrest
DAVIE, Fla. — Defensive end Phillip Merling was in practice with the Miami Dolphins on Friday, less than 24 hours being freed from jail following an aggravated battery charge against a pregnant woman.
Merling did not speak with reporters.
He was arrested in Weston, Fla. on Wednesday, then released from Broward County Jail on Thursday afternoon after posting $15,000 bond. The court ordered him to have no direct or indirect contact with the woman, who is his girlfriend, along with other restrictions like banning him from possessing firearms while out on bond.
Court records show the woman is 2 months pregnant with the couple’s second child.
Merling is the fourth Dolphins player to be arrested this offseason, something coach Tony Sparano called “frustrating.”
Texans sign McManis
HOUSTON — The Houston Texans have signed fifth-round draft pick Sherrick McManis.
McManis, a cornerback, was selected with the 144th overall pick in this year’s draft from Northwestern.
He had 37 tackles and a team-high five interceptions last season for the Wildcats. He had nine interceptions in his career at Northwestern to rank sixth on the school’s list. His 30 career pass breakups are third most in school history.
Terms of the deal were not released.
Bears sign pick
LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Chicago has signed Florida safety Major Wright to a four-year deal, putting their last unsigned draft pick under contract.
The Bears selected Wright with their first overall pick, taking the 5-foot-11, 206-pound defender in the third round.
He started three years for the Gators and came out for the draft as a junior after making eight career interceptions and 165 tackles.
The Bears have been looking for a free safety who can help settle a secondary that has struggled since the team reached the Super Bowl after the 2006 season.
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