Union monitoring probe of Dolphins harassment
Published 11:47 am Tuesday, November 5, 2013
MIAMI (AP) — The NFL Players Association said Tuesday that it will insist on a fair investigation for all involved in the Miami Dolphins harassment case.
The league is investigating the troubled relationship between Dolphins offensive linemen Jonathan Martin and Richie Incognito. Martin left the team last week because of emotional issues, and Incognito was suspended indefinitely Sunday by coach Joe Philbin for his treatment of Martin.
“We expect that the NFL and its clubs create a safe and professional workplace for all players, and that owners, executives, coaches and players should set the best standards and examples,” the union said in a statement. “It is the duty of this union to hold the clubs … accountable for safety and professionalism in the workplace. … We will continue to remain in contact with the impacted players, their representatives and player leadership.”
Incognito’s harassment of Martin included text messages that were racist and threatening, two people familiar with the situation said. The 319-pound Incognito, a ninth-year pro, is white. The 312-pound Martin, who is in his second NFL season, is biracial.
It’s unclear whether Dolphins coaches or management knew of any harassment between the players before Martin left the team. Recent talk of dissension in the Dolphins locker room has included complaints by young players that they’re pressured to pay more than their share when team members socialize together.
FILE – In this July 24
2013 file photo
Miami Dolphins guard Richie Incognito (68) and tackle Jonathan Martin (71) stand on the field during an NFL football practice in Davie
Fla. Two people familiar with the situation say suspended Dolphins guard Incognito sent text messages to teammate Jonathan Martin that were racist and threatening. The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Dolphins and NFL haven’t disclosed the nature of the misconduct that led to Incognito’s suspension. Martin remained absent from practice Monday
