The Sports Xchange

Miami Dolphins defensive end Olivier Vernon has been fined $37,363 for two separate hits on Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota last Sunday.

The NFL confirmed to Pro Football Talk on Friday that Vernon was fined for two roughing-the-passer infractions. The NFL fined Vernon $17,363 for striking Mariota in the knee area in the second quarter of Sunday’s 38-10 win over the Titans, and $20,000 for striking Mariota in the head and neck area in the third quarter. Vernon said he will appeal the fines.

Mariota, who was injured on the first hit by Vernon, has been ruled out for Sunday’s home game against the Atlanta Falcons due to a sprained left knee.

Titans coach Ken Whisenhunt declared Mariota out on Friday after the rookie missed his third day of practice this week. Mariota took a beating last Sunday, absorbing five sacks.

“I think it was B.S.,” Whisenhunt said after the game of Vernon’s low hit. “It’s not the way you play football. I think it was done with the idea of trying to hurt our quarterback.”

Vernon said after the game that he is not “a dirty player.”

“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.”

Dolphins interim head coach Dan Campbell defended Vernon this week.

“I just told him that I know he’s not a dirty player,” Campbell said Wednesday. “I know who he is and I saw the play. I saw both of them. He’s playing football. He’s trying to get to the quarterback. He’s not dirty. He’s not trying to do anything cheap and that was it.”