Dolphins waive LB Maualuga after arrest

Nov 19, 2017 - 1:35 AM The Miami Dolphins waived Rey Maualuga on Saturday, hours after the linebacker was arrested on a misdemeanor battery charge.

Court records in Miami-Dade County reveal that Maualuga was arrested after an early morning incident at a downtown Miami nightclub, allegedly involving a dispute over a bar bill.

Police said Maualuga began upset and refused to pay a $40 bar tab before grabbing an unidentified person by the throat and shoving him at Club E11even, the Miami Herald reported. The 30-year-old was escorted out of the club and arrested by police.

Maualuga recorded 23 tackles in six games during his first season with the Dolphins (4-5) after playing eight years with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Linebacker Mike Hull is expected to take Maualuga's spot in the lineup for Sunday's game against the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

De'Veon Smith was promoted from the practice squad to take Maualuga's roster spot. Smith, 23, had 12 carries for 35 yards during the preseason after recording 2,235 yards and 22 touchdowns on 495 carries during his four-year collegiate career at Michigan.