The Results of the NFL-commissioned Ted Wells report are in, and things don’t look good for soon to be former Dolphins guard Richie Incognito. Martin quit the Dolphins in October, and a week later Incognito was effectively suspended for the rest of the season when allegations were made that Martin’s actions were do to harassment and bullying from Incognito.
Wells concludes in his 144 page report that Incognito, and fellow offensive linemen John Jerry and Mike Pouncey subjected Martin to a “pattern of harrassment” that included racist slurs and vicious sexual taunts about his mother and sister. Wells further concluded that the parties had also harrassed another unnamed offensive lineman, and a member of the team’s training staff.
Earlier this week Incognito went on a twitter rant claiming that “the truth” would exonerate him, however this report does not even come close to clearing Incognito’s reputation. In fact it buries it further, along with the reputation of two other members of the Dolphins offensive line.
Wells stated that the inquiry found Martin was taunted and ridiculed almost daily. After Martin left the team, Incognito boasted about “breaking Jmart” in a notebook the linemen used to tally fines and bonuses among themselves. When the investigation began, Incognito asked another player to destroy the book, but investigators obtained it.
Another offensive lineman was “subjected to homophobic name-calling and improper physical touching,” while the assistant trainer, who was born in Japan, was subjected to racial slurs.
“It was not difficult to conclude that the Assistant Trainer and Player A were harassed, but the questions raised in Martin’s case were more complex, nuanced and difficult,” the report says.
Wells also stated, that the investigation into the incident was difficult, “given [Martin’s] mental health issues, his possible heightened sensitivity to insults and his unusual, ‘bipolar’ friendship with Incognito,” the report said.
“Nonetheless, we ultimately concluded that Martin was indeed harassed by Incognito, who can fairly be described as the main instigator.”
Pouncey and Jerry were discribed in the report as following Incognito’s lead.
“To a great extent, Incognito dictated the culture,” the report said. “We doubt that matters would have gotten so out of hand had Incognito not set a tone on the offensive line that made extremely vulgar taunting a typical form of communication.”
Incognito is described as having “a loud, belligerent side of his personality,” and that he was nicknamed “The Tornado” for his outbursts to teammates, and other people close to the Dolphins.
Further in the report, Pouncey and Incognito Exchanged Text Messages threating retaliation against Martin.
Incognito: F–k Jmart That f—t is never back
Pouncey: Bro I said the same thing I can’t even look at him the same he’s a pussy
Incognito: My agent just said if we held mandatory strip club meetings Jmart is f–king ratting on everyone
Pouncey: Lol wow are you serious he is a f–k boy
Pouncey: He’s not welcome back bro I can’t be around that f–king guy
Incognito: F–k that guy if Ur not with [u]s Ur against us
Pouncey: No question bro he’s a coward for snitching
Incognito: Snitches get stiches Blood in blood out F–king guy
Pouncey: He’s dead to me
The report also casts Dolphins Offensive line coach Jim Turner in a negative light. Turner was said to be present at many events but he denied knowledge of them, despite the fact that others had good memories of the event. He also told head coach Joe Philbin that he was not aware of any harassment or mistreatment of Martin. Further Turner texted Martin after he left the team asking Martin to come forward and exonerate Incognito. Turner remains on the Dolphins staff as of now. Miami hired former Texans offensive line coach John Benton as an assistant offensive line coach this offseason.
Following the official report the Dolphins issued a statement through owner Stephen Ross saying:
“When we asked the NFL to conduct this independent review, we felt it was important to take a step back and thoroughly research these serious allegations. As an organization, we are committed to a culture of team-first accountability and respect for one another.”
The NFL and NFLPA have both stated that they will comment after reviewing the report in detail.
Incognito’s laywer though, was quick to state that the report is full of errors to Pro Football Talk
“Mr. Wells’ NFL report is replete with errors,” Schamel said in a statement issued to PFT. “The facts do not support a conclusion that Jonathan Martin’s mental health, drug use, or on-field performance issues were related to the treatment by his teammates.
“It is disappointing that Mr. Wells would have gotten it so wrong, but not surprising. The truth, as reported by the Dolphins players and as shown by the evidence, is that Jonathan Martin was never bullied by Richie Incognito or any member of the Dolphins Offensive line. We are analyzing the entire report and will release a thorough analysis as soon as it is ready.”
More to come.
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