Looks like the Miami Dolphins may have found a new role model for other players in wide receiver Brandon Marshall. Apparently Marshall got into an argument with starting cornerback Vontae Davis over the latter’s late-night partying ways before an important team practice. Rumors about the confrontation began swirling all weekend when news broke that Davis would not travel with the team to Kansas City to play the Chiefs.

NBCMiami.com sports writer David Hill provides more insight:

When Davis showed up to practice, Marshall “began berating the cornerback for acting unprofessional,” then allegedly threw a football at Davis’ face at very close range. Davis went after Marshall afterward, but was restrained by teammates.

A source told NFL.com that Davis was “about to rip (Marshall’s) head off,” believing one of Marshall’s comments “crossed the line.”

But the confrontation between Marshall and Davis is not the reason for Davis’ suspension. A team source told NFL.com, “The altercation is 100 percent not the reason.” Another source said cryptically, “Vontae knows exactly why (he was left behind).”

One source did acknowledge that this was not the first time Davis showed up late, saying he had been tardy for treatment and “other important mandatory team events.” That could explain why Davis was left at home Sunday and Marshall was not.

Even though the star cornerback and arguably one of the best players for the Dolphins didn’t travel with the team, it didn’t matter. The Dolphins ransacked the Chiefs 31-3, capturing their first win of the 2011 season.

Marshall may be borderline crazy, a beast, monster or whatever you want to call him, but at least he seems to know the importance of putting in quality practices each week.