Koa Misi, Miami Dolphins player, arrested for battery

Miami Dolphins linebacker Koa Misi has pleaded no contest to felony battery and paid $42,000 to a Santa Barbara County resident he punched in the face.
Photographer: Broward Sheriff's Office
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Posted: 03/30/2012

By: Brian Biggane, Palm Beach Post

Dolphins outside linebacker Koa Misi was arrested by the Broward County Sheriffs Office Friday on a felony charge of battery with serious injury.

Misi, 25, who was released on $10,000 bond, was picked up on charges stemming from an outstanding warrant in Santa Barbara County, California, where Misi has an offseason home.

A spokesman for the Broward County Sheriff’s Office said Misi was arrested without incident at his home in Weston Friday morning.

Dolphins spokesman Harvey Greene issued the following statement regarding the charges:

“We are aware of the situation and are in the process of gathering information. As a result, we will refrain from any further comment.”

Misi, 25, has been something of a disappointment since coming to the Dolphins as a second-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. While he has been a starter at weak-side linebacker for most of his brief career, he ranked only 10th on the team with 31 tackles and just one sack last season.

The Dolphins’ plans to alternate between a 4-3 and 3-4 defensive scheme this season has many draft experts predicting they will use their No. 8 pick on an edge pass rusher, which could put Misi in a backup role.