National Football League

Glazer: Dolphins grant LB's wish, release Porter

Published Feb. 12, 2010 12:00 a.m. ET

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Miami Dolphins veteran linebacker Joey Porter is getting his wish.

The Dolphins are releasing Porter today, FOXSports.com has learned.

During Super Bowl week, Porter went public and told the Dolphins' flagship radio station he wanted to be released by the team due to his frustration about his reduced role last season and doubts his relationship with coach Tony Sparano could be repaired. Porter also said told the he wanted to be waived rather than traded so he could join another team as an every-down linebacker.

"Knowing I'm unhappy and bringing that negative vibe to a team, you don't want me coming to the stadium with that look on my face, 'Why am I here?"' Porter told WQAM.

Porter said as his role diminished last season, he talked with Sparano only on Sundays and stopped speaking with football czar Bill Parcells or general manager Jeff Ireland. Porter was unhappy about being replaced by pass-rush specialist Cameron Wake in some situations.

"I'm an every-down player," Porter said. "I'm supposed to be out on the field when the game's on the line. I was on the sideline in the fourth quarter cheering. ...

"My mind wouldn't be there because I'm frustrated that I'm on the sideline. It's hard for me to accept that after being in the Pro Bowl just a year ago. Now all of a sudden I'm taking a back seat - for who and for what?

"Outside linebacker? I'm the best one we've got. Period. Why should I be switching with any of those guys?" Porter said. "Being 32, I don't have time to be playing childish games. If you want to put Cameron Wake in the game, go ahead and good luck to you. Let me go find a job somewhere else."

Porter said he saw less playing time after Sparano held him out of a midseason game at Tampa Bay. The only reason given at the time was a "coach's decision."

"It was because I went out to get something to eat from 9 to 10:30" two nights before the game, Porter said. "I've never heard that before - telling a grown man what to do on a Friday night."

Porter led the AFC in 2008 with 17 1/2 sacks. His sack total this season fell to nine, still the Dolphins' high.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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