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Report: Dolphins center Pouncey testifies before grand jury in Hernandez case

BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) -- A Miami Dolphin reportedly missed practice Wednesday because he was testifying before a grand jury in the Aaron Hernandez murder investigation.

According to ESPN, Dolphins center Mike Pouncey was in Massachusetts to answer questions from a grand jury. Pouncey was listed on the Dolphins' injury report Wednesday as missing practice for a non-injury.

Pouncey's testimony forced him to miss a practice just four days before the Dolphins host the Patriots in a game that is critical for Miami's chances at making playoffs.

Sports Illustrated first reported Pouncey was issued a subpoena after the Dolphins visited the Patriots in Foxborough on Oct. 27. A SI source said police were focusing on Hernandez's potential involvement in interstate gun trafficking and several alleged transactions between Pouncey and Hernandez. The magazine reported law enforcement officials regard Pouncey as a "material witness" who could "advance their case" against Hernandez.

Hernandez and Pouncey were teammates at the University of Florida. Pouncey and his twin brother were photographed wearing "Free Hernandez" hats after Hernandez was arrested on murder charges. According to the Palm Beach Post, Pouncey had prepared to issue an apology about the hat, but the Dolphins prevented him from doing that.

Hernandez, who is facing a first-degree murder charge in the death of Boston resident Odin Lloyd, has also been arraigned on five different weapons charges resulting from the numerous searches of his North Attleborough home and Franklin condo.