NEW YORK (AP) — An NFL ordered-investigation found Jonathan Martin was subjected to “a pattern of harassment” that included racist slurs and vicious sexual taunts about his mother and sister by three Miami Dolphin teammates.
The report said Richie Incognito, who the Dolphins suspended in November, offensive linemen John Jerry and Mike Pouncey harassed Martin, as well as another offensive lineman and an assistant trainer.
Lawyer Ted Wells released his report Friday.
Wells says his inquiry found Martin was routinely taunted and ridiculed. The other player, whose name was not released, was “subjected to homophobic name-calling and improper physical touching,” while the assistant trainer was subjected to racial slurs.
The report rejected claims that Martin made up the claims of abuse.
Martin left the team in October, saying he was harassed daily by teammates.
Said Mr. Wells: “The Report concludes that three starters on the Dolphins offensive line, 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 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.”
“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,” said Mr. Wells.
“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,” said Mr. Wells.
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