Olivier Vernon sends 'get well soon' message to Marcus Mariota

Miami Dolphins defensive end Olivier Vernon found himself engulfed in controversy after hitting Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota low in the fist half Sunday on a play that injured the quarterback but didn't keep him out the game.

Tennessee head coach Ken Whisenhunt and players were upset about the hit, and word got back to Vernon after the game in the locker room.

Via his Twitter page, Vernon sent a message to Mariota and the public to give his explanation of the play.

I’ve never been a dirty player. I never intended to hurt anyone. I even checked to make sure Marcus was ok. #mariotagetwellsoon

— Olivier Vernon (@oliviervernon50) October 19, 2015

Vernon expressed a similar sentiment to the media Sunday night after the game.

"I know one thing: It wasn't intentional," Vernon said. "I've never been a dirty player in my whole career.

"Nobody tries to get personal fouls. I know one thing, they are expensive."

Intentional or not, the play certainly will be reviewed by the NFL this week. Low hits on quarterbacks often result in fines.


(espn.com)