DAVIE, FLA. (AP) - Miami Dolphins center Mike Pouncey confirmed he missed one day of practice to fly to Boston, but he declined to say whether the trip was related to the criminal case there involving his former college teammate, ex-New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez.
Pouncey was served with a grand jury subpoena in the case following the Dolphins’ game at New England in October. Coincidentally, they play the Patriots again Sunday in Miami.
The reason for Pouncey missing practice Wednesday was listed as “non-injury” by the team. He said he flew back to Miami that night.
Hernandez has pleaded not guilty to murder in the death of Odin Lloyd, a 27-year-old semi-professional football player. Hernandez and Pouncey played together at the University of Florida.
Pouncey practiced Friday and said his one-day absence won’t affect his performance Sunday.
“It’s something I had to go handle. I’m here with my football team, so I’m happy,” Pouncey said. “It would be just like if I was injured (Wednesday) and I didn’t practice. I’m a veteran on this team now and we’ve played this defense before. We’ll be all right.”
As Pouncey left the locker room, he added: “Here’s one thing I can tell you about Boston: It’s cold.”
Pouncey hadn’t previously missed any practice time because of the subpoena, but he sat out two games in November with a gall bladder illness.
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