The Miami Dolphins have released running back, Mark Walton, after he was arrested and charged with punching his pregnant girlfriend.
Walton, a second-year pro, has been charged with felony aggravated battery on a pregnant person and faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
Reports claim that Walton pushed his girlfriend against a wall and punched her several times in the head and face, leaving her with a swollen eye. The report states that the incident took place around 4:15 am on Tuesday, according to the police report obtained by the Miami Herald.
The Dolphins manager, Chris Grier, is quoted:
“We were made aware of a police matter early this morning regarding Mark Walton. We hold our players to a high standard and take these matters very seriously. We will have no further comment at this time.”
Walton is already serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s player conduct and drug policies after he was arrested three times during the off season. Those arrests were for weapons and drug possession, reckless driving, resisting arrest and battery. He was sentenced to six months probation, reduced to three weeks, and the battery and drug possession charges were dropped. Prior to this recent incident, he was due to return on December 2 and would have faced the Jets on December 8.
Shortly after the aforementioned charges were filed, Dolphins coach Brian Flores is quoted as saying, “The conduct of our players is very important and Mark has done everything we have asked of him both on and off the field since signing with the Dolphins. We look forward to having him back at the conclusion of his suspension.”
Walton had just signed with Miami in May. He had 201 yards rushing on 53 carries in seven games this season. In 2018, he logged some playing time over 14 games as a rookie for the Bengals.
Walton, 22-years-old, will remain in jail until a preliminary hearing takes place on Wednesday morning, according to the Sun Sentinel.
