WESTON, Fla. — Miami Dolphins fullback and former University of Hawai'i football player Reagan Mauia was charged with punching another man in the face and knocking him unconscious in a restaurant parking lot early today.

The victim, Michael Gianatassio, was treated at a hospital and released. Mauia was charged with battery and released on $1,000 bond, the Broward County Sheriff's Office said.

According to witnesses, Gianatassio and his girlfriend were walking by when Mauia asked Gianatassio what he was looking at. Gianatassio replied he wasn't looking at anyone, then was punched by the 270-pound Mauia, the sheriff's office said.

Mauia fled, but a witness took a photo of his vehicle, which allowed the sheriff's office to track him down. A witness identified him as the person who punched Gianatassio, the sheriff's office said. After being booked at the county jail, Mauia was released.

A sixth-round draft choice, Mauia started nine games for the Dolphins as a rookie last year.

"We are aware of the situation regarding Reagan earlier today," coach Tony Sparano said in a statement. "We will withhold any further comment because we are in the process of gathering more information."