Dolphins DE Olivier Vernon fined for hit on Marcus Mariota

Miami Dolphins defensive end Olivier Vernon says that the NFL has fined him for his controversial hit on Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota and will file an appeal.

Miami Dolphins defensive end Olivier Vernon says the NFL has fined him for his controversial hit on Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota, reports Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald.

Vernon plans to appeal the fine.

The play in question occurred in the second quarter of the Dolphins’ 38–10 win on Sunday, when Vernon made a low hit on Mariota in the pocket. Vernon was flagged for a personal foul on the play, and Mariota sustained a sprained MCL.

Titans head coach Ken Whisenhunt said that Mariota did not practice Wednesday.

“I think it was done with the idea of trying to hurt our quarterback,” Whisenhunt said. “That’s bulls--- football.”

Vernon took to Twitter after the game to say that he is not a dirty player and send a get-well message to Mariota.

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 (@oliviervernon54) October 19, 2015

Vernon has started all five games for the Dolphins this season and is one of four players on the team to have recorded a sack.

Ken Whisenhunt called Olivier Vernon's low hit on Marcus Mariota 'B.S.'

My take?

Here's my @kfc Postgame Fill Up:https://t.co/3MEQy241EP

— Mike Pereira (@MikePereira) October 19, 2015

• Report: Cowboys WR Dez Bryant (foot) likely out vs. Giants