MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. -- Miami Dolphins receiver Mike Wallace was benched for the second half of Sunday's 37-24 loss to the New York Jets due to what Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin described as a "coach's decision."
The exact nature of Wallace's benching is unknown and the Dolphins were tight-lipped about the incident after the game, but something happened around halftime. When the team returned for the third quarter, Wallace was dressed for the second half but didn't play in the game.
"It was coach's decision, so that's the way it worked out," quarterback Ryan Tannehill said of the situation, while failing to elaborate.
In an awkward post-game scene, Wallace stood in the locker room with his arms crossed while teammate and fellow receiver Brandon Gibson spoke on Wallace's behalf. Gibson said he was protecting his teammate and didn't want Wallace to say something he would regret.
"Honestly, things were communicated and maybe misunderstood," Gibson said with Wallace next to him. "Things didn't work out. It was a lot of communication, and it didn't work out."
When Wallace was asked if Gibson's words accurately represented his thoughts, Wallace said "definitely."
Wallace has been frustrated at times with the lack of big-plays and opportunities on offense. He was only targeted once in the first half before his benching. Wallace was held without a catch for zero yards for the first time this season.
Still, Wallace led Miami in yards (862), receiving touchdowns (10) and was second in receptions (67) this season. The Dolphins finished 8-8 Sunday for the second consecutive season.