Sep 22, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins tackle Jonathan Martin (71), guard Richie Incognito (68), prepare to block. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Independent investigator Ted Wells on Friday released a 144-page report on the Miami Dolphins’ workplace atmosphere.
The report concludes Dolphins offensive linemen Richie Incognito, John Jerry and Mike Pouncey “engaged in a pattern of harassment directed at not only Jonathan Martin, but also another young Dolphins offensive lineman and an assistant trainer.”
The NFL on Nov. 16, 2013 retained and the law firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP to conduct an independent investigation after allegations of misconduct arose following Martin’s departure from the Dolphins in late October.
During the investigation and subsequent findings, Wells concludes Martin wasn’t alone as a target of abuse:
“The Report finds that the assistant trainer repeatedly was the object of racial slurs and other racially derogatory language; that the other offensive lineman was subjected to homophobic name-calling and improper physical touching; and that Martin was taunted on a persistent basis with sexually explicit remarks about his sister and his mother and at times ridiculed with racial insults and other offensive comments.”
Additionally, Wells concludes Martin did not make up allegations following his departure from the Dolphins during the regular season:
“The Report rejects any suggestion that Martin manufactured claims of abuse after the fact to cover up an impetuous decision to leave the team. Contemporaneous text messages that Martin sent to his parents and others months before he left the Dolphins—which have never before been made public—corroborate his account that the persistent harassment by his teammates caused him significant emotional distress. The Report concludes that the harassment by Martin’s teammates was a contributing factor in his decision to leave the team, but also finds that Martin’s teammates did not intend to drive Martin from the team or cause him lasting emotional injury.
“Consistent with my prior practices involving similar investigative reports, it is not my present intention to hold a press conference or comment further about the Report. The Report is thorough and comprehensive, and speaks for itself.”
Following the report’s release, the NFL and NFLPA announced they will review the findings before making further comment.
“Our office has received the report of independent counsel Ted Wells, which sets forth the findings of his investigation into the workplace environment at the Miami Dolphins,” the NFL said in a released statement. “Consistent with our commitment at the outset of this matter, the full report has been transmitted to our clubs and has been made public. We appreciate the work of Ted Wells and his colleagues and the cooperation of the Miami Dolphins organization in the investigation. After we have had an opportunity to review the report, we will have further comment as appropriate.”
“We have received the report on workplace conditions in Miami,” the NFLPA said in a released statement. “We will review the findings closely, confer with our players and all relevant parties involved.”
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