An investigation into the racially charged Miami Dolphins bullying scandal detailed widespread harassment in the team's locker room that extended beyond the two players at the center of the probe.
The NFL-ordered report stated there was a "pattern of harassment" committed by at least three players and extended to two linemen and an assistant trainer, all targets of vicious taunts and racist insults.
Lawyer Ted Wells released the report Friday, saying guard John Jerry and center Mike Pouncey followed Richie Incognito's lead in harassing Jonathan Martin, who left the team in October. They threatened to rape his sister, called him a long list of slurs and bullied him for not being "black enough."
In a statement emailed by a league spokesman, the NFL did not make any mention of possible punishment stemming from the case. The league only confirmed it had received the report and said it appreciated the Dolphins' cooperation. Wells said he does not intend to comment further.
Martin is biracial, Incognito is white, and Jerry and Pouncey are black.
Martin's agent Kenneth Zuckerman said his client feels "vindicated" by the report.
Incognito's attorney Mark Schamel released a statement calling Wells' report "replete with errors" and said that Martin "was never bullied by Richie Incognito or any member of the Dolphins' offensive line."
Martin, a former Stanford star, declined interview requests.
Incognito was suspended in November, but Pouncey and Jerry remained starters throughout the season.
The report mentioned but didn't identify another offensive lineman and an assistant trainer who also routinely came under attack from the trio.
The inquiry said Martin was taunted and ridiculed almost daily and that, "To a great extent, Incognito dictated the culture."
The report found no evidence the Dolphins front office or coach Joe Philbin was aware of the conduct Martin found abusive.
Copyright : mercurynews.com
0 comments:
Post a Comment