Koa Misi could face suspension for taking a plea deal

October 22, 2012|By Omar Kelly, South Florida Sun-Sentinel

DAVIE — Miami Dolphins linebacker Koa Misi pled no contest to felony battery charges and agreed to pay $42,000 to a Santa Barbara County resident he allegedly punched in the face.

 The NFL wouldn't comment on Misi's legal case but a spokesman acknowledged it falls under the NFL's personal conduct policy, and therefore gets evaluated by the commissioner.

Misi could be suspended for a game and/or fined, but that decision hasn't been made.

Defensive lineman Tony McDaniel was suspended one game without pay for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy after pleading guilty to domestic violence charges in 2010.

Prosecutors say a man on an Isla Vista apartment balcony made nasty comments to Misi and his friends as they walked down the street in April 2011. Misi allegedly broke down the apartment door and struck 19-year-old Casey Scott Fisher.

As part of a plea deal, Misi pleaded no contest last Thursday to battery causing serious bodily injury.

The Santa Barbara News-Press reports that Misi paid Fisher for medical expenses and agreed to 400 hours of community service.

The judge is expected to reduce the count to a misdemeanor during sentencing in February.

Misi, who has contributed 33 tackles, 1.5 sacks and one forced fumble in six games, declined to comment on his legal case.

If he's suspended Misi would have to sit out a week of practice too. He attended Monday's practice but the week officially begins for NFL players on Wednesday. McDaniel's suspension occurred a week after his legal issue was resolved.