Former Cincinnati Bengals running back Mark Walton was invited to try out with the Miami Dolphins, despite pending criminal charges against him.
“I think people deserve a second chance,” new Miami coach Brian Flores told the Palm Beach Post. “I believe that. I think that’s the case. I don’t want to judge people based on one incident. Two incidents. I think it’s a case-by-case situation for a player and for people in general. That’s kind of my stance.”
The Bengals waived Walton on April 6 after his third arrest of 2019. He was arrested on a misdemeanor marijuana charge in January, a misdemeanor battery charge in February, and in April on possession of marijuana, reckless driving and felony concealed weapons charges from an alleged incident in March.
“He’s here on a tryout,” Flores said. “Obviously, talented player. But we want to take a look at him and see if he was a fit for us, on the field and off the field. I think he’s done a good job, really in the one day that he’s been here. So we’ll see how it goes.”
Flores said that the Dolphins brass had discussed Walton’s legal issues.
“Again, it’s a tryout,” Flores said. “And just that’s kind of part of the process. Getting to know him. And getting to see him on and off the field.”
Walton, 22, played his college football at Miami and was taken by the Bengals in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He saw limited action last season, gaining 34 yards on 14 carries.
