Dolphins Safety Jonathon Amaya Released from Jail, Remains with Team

Miami Dolphins safety Jonathon Amaya was released from jail Tuesday after posting a $1,500 bond. The reserve safety was originally arrested around 4:30 am Monday morning and faces misdemeanor battery charges following an incident where he, allegedly, choked a taxi driver.

Despite the legal issues, Amaya was still a member of the team as of last night. Speculation that the Dolphins could released the veteran continued to grow throughout the day Wednesday. The Dolphins released veteran wide receiver Chad Johnson the same day he was released from jail following a domestic violence incident back in August, leading to the expectation that Amaya could be looking for a job.

"There are always circumstances surrounding any incident," Miami head coach Joe Philbin said during his Wednesday press conference. "The big thing we want to do is be fair any time we make a decision regarding a player in the program. That's the overriding principle."

When Johnson was released, it was shown on HBO's Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Miami Dolphins. Philbin explained to Johnson that his arrest was just one part of the decision to move in a different direction. The team felt, according to Philbin, that the fit with Johnson wasn't working, and that the on-the-field chemistry was a larger factor in his release.

The fact that Amaya remains with the team following his arrest backs up Philbin's explanation to Johnson.

"Everything regarding the matter has been handled by myself and within the organization internally," Amaya explained on Wednesday after agreeing to speak to the media. "I'm just really focused on the Patriots this week and doing anything I can to help the team."

The third year safety added that he was "very grateful, very grateful" to still be with the team. Amaya could still face a suspension from the NFL.