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Miami Dolphins coach Nick Saban and quarterback Daunte Culpepper engaged in a heated argument at practice on Friday, The Miami Herald reported on Monday.
The argument came the same day Saban told the media he had yet to name a starter for Sunday's game against the New England Patriots. Saban eventually settled on Joey Harrington, saying Culpepper's struggles with mobility and a right shoulder bruise were the reasons he was changing starters.
The Herald said the reasons for the argument remained unclear. Several players confirmed to the newspaper that the incident took place, but simply called it "family business."
The change didn't produce a win for the Dolphins. Harrington was 26-of-41 for 232 yards, but he threw two critical interceptions and didn't have a touchdown pass as the Patriots won 20-10.
Culpepper played only the first seven games last season for the Minnesota Vikings before a season-ending knee injury and hasn't regained his former mobility. He missed part of Thursday's practice but participated in the full session Friday and had been listed as probable for the game.
After Sunday's game, Saban declined to comment about the argument, the Herald reported. He did, however, praise Culpepper's desire to play.
"He's a pit bull, kicking in the corner, giving his last breath," Saban said. "He'll put his career on the line for the team. I love that in the guy. I love it."
Culpepper declined to comment after the game, the Herald reported.
The argument came the same day Saban told the media he had yet to name a starter for Sunday's game against the New England Patriots. Saban eventually settled on Joey Harrington, saying Culpepper's struggles with mobility and a right shoulder bruise were the reasons he was changing starters.
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The change didn't produce a win for the Dolphins. Harrington was 26-of-41 for 232 yards, but he threw two critical interceptions and didn't have a touchdown pass as the Patriots won 20-10.
Culpepper played only the first seven games last season for the Minnesota Vikings before a season-ending knee injury and hasn't regained his former mobility. He missed part of Thursday's practice but participated in the full session Friday and had been listed as probable for the game.
After Sunday's game, Saban declined to comment about the argument, the Herald reported. He did, however, praise Culpepper's desire to play.
"He's a pit bull, kicking in the corner, giving his last breath," Saban said. "He'll put his career on the line for the team. I love that in the guy. I love it."
Culpepper declined to comment after the game, the Herald reported.
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