Pouncey: All ears on possible ban

ByJames Walker ESPN logo
Tuesday, May 27, 2014

DAVIE, Fla. -- Miami Dolphins Pro Bowl center Mike Pouncey said Tuesday he hasn't fulfilled the NFL's requirement to see a medical professional for psychological testing before he returns to the field and that he's against the idea altogether.

"I have no clue [about a date], but I don't think I need that," Pouncey said Tuesday after Miami's organized team activities. "So I have no clue."

When asked a follow-up question on why he doesn't need to see a medical professional, Pouncey responded, "I just don't think I do."

Pouncey was one of three players cited for the bullying and harassment of former teammate Jonathan Martin and others during the NFL's investigation into Miami's locker-room culture last season. Pouncey and former Dolphins offensive linemen Richie Incognito and John Jerry all face possible suspensions to start the season.

Jerry signed with the New York Giants this offseason. Incognito remains an unrestricted free agent.

One requirement the league is asking of Pouncey before he returns to the field is to undergo psychological testing.

"I don't have any thought on it," Pouncey said of a possible suspension. "That's not up to me right now. I'm just waiting to hear."

Asked whether he had any regrets about what happened last year, Pouncey said, "No, not at all. We've moved on from that. I'm not worried about anything in 2013, honestly, it's all about 2014 for me."

Pouncey's best bet to avoid a suspension is to lay low this offseason, which has been a struggle. Recently, Pouncey tweeted that he's looking forward to the gifts that Dolphins first-round pick Ja'Wuan James would buy him, a comment that caused a stir. As a result, Pouncey got off Twitter after meeting with team officials and confirmed Tuesday that it was a joke.

"I'm not here to be a distraction," Pouncey said.

Dolphins coach Joe Philbin stood behind Pouncey during his news conference and confirmed that he and the team will be in constant communication with the league regarding any discipline for Pouncey.

"The one thing that's without question about Mike Pouncey which is important is he wants to be a great football player," said Philbin, who invited Pouncey to a dinner with free-agent left tackle Branden Albert before the team signed him. "He wants to make a valuable contribution to the Miami Dolphins, and he's not unlike any other player that we have in terms of there's an educational process every player goes through. But I love the effort and energy that he brings and that he's put forth into this offseason, and today's Day 1. It's a long, long process, but he's off to a good start."

New offensive coordinator Bill Lazor also expressed confidence in Pouncey's leadership.

"Mike and I walk into this professional relationship with a real clear picture," Lazor said. "I spoke with him on the phone, and I laid out what I was looking for. He was very excited to do it, and I think he's the right guy to do it."

The Dolphins certainly need Pouncey on the field. He is arguably the team's best offensive player.

Miami's offensive line allowed a franchise-record 58 sacks last season and could have as many as four new starters.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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