Dolphins release, retain LB Joey Porter

DAVIE, Fla., Feb. 12 (UPI) -- Disgruntled Miami Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter was released then retained Friday, the team said.

An unnamed NFL source said Porter, 32, likely will stay with the Dolphins until March 5 because of salary cap constraints.

"The release of Joey Porter was determined to be an invalid termination," the team said in statement on its Web site. "Therefore at this time, Porter reverts back to the Miami Dolphins roster."

Porter, an 11-year veteran, openly criticized the team and its coaches during an interview with reporters covering Super Bowl XLIV at Sun Life Stadium.

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel said Porter, a member of the NFL's All-Decade team, is due a $1 million roster bonus March 5, but if he is released, the Dolphins will save $9.9 million in salary and bonuses over the next two years.

He has compiled 498 career tackles, 60 sacks and 10 interceptions.