Miami Dolphins linebacker Lawrence Timmons has been suspended indefinitely following his mysterious disappearance from the team last weekend, a statement said Tuesday.

"We have suspended linebacker Lawrence Timmons indefinitely," the Dolphins said in a brief statement on Twitter.

Timmons, who joined the Dolphins this season following 10 years with the Pittsburgh Steelers, was reported missing ahead of Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers in California when his hotel room was found to be empty.

The 31-year-old, a member of the Steelers' Super Bowl-winning team in 2009, was reportedly found at Los Angeles International Airport preparing to board a plane to Pennsylvania.

One report said Timmons had been travelling to see his baby daughter.

Dolphins coach Adam Gase deflected questions about Timmons absence during a briefing with reporters on Monday, refusing to say whether the player would be available this weekend.

"Really just gathering a lot of information," Gase said. "I've got a few other things I have to deal with the guys who played (Sunday)."

Asked if he expected players to follow certain rules, Gase responded: "Be on time and play hard. I don't know if that's real hard."

Timmons agent Drew Rosenhaus also declined to provide details on the issue.

"I don't know. It's a private matter," Rosenhaus said. "I'd love to be able to shed some light on it, but I'm not. It's of a personal nature of Lawrence."

Source: AFP