National Football League

Porter wants Dolphins to release him

Published Feb. 2, 2010 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Joey Porter says he wants to be released by the Miami Dolphins because he was frustrated about his reduced role last season and doubts his relationship with coach Tony Sparano can be repaired.

Porter told the Dolphins' flagship radio station Tuesday he wants to be waived rather than traded so he can 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.

The four-time Pro Bowl linebacker's campaign to be released went national with an appearance Monday on ESPN. A pledge from the Dolphins that he can play full time in 2010 is unlikely, and he told WQAM that wouldn't salvage the situation.

"I wouldn't believe them," he said.

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?"

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.

"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."