PITTSBURGH — 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.
Meanwhile, Channel 11’s Vince Sims talked with several current and former Pittsburgh Steelers about the situation.
Steelers tight end and fullback David Johnson told Sims he doesn’t know much about the Dolphins story, but said he knows the Steelers wouldn’t tolerate such behavior. Johnson said there are certain “rights of passage” that every new player goes through, but not that extreme.
Steelers tight end Heath Miller said the Steelers organization doesn’t condone the alleged behavior. He said the team allows very minor things, like carrying pads for senior players.
Art Rooney II said rookies with the Steelers are asked to do “harmless things,” like buy donuts on Saturday morning. He also said they address life issues with the team as a whole.
Andy Russell, who played for the Steelers, said he never witnessed any type of bullying like this when he played. He said like a fraternity, there will always be some hazing, but nothing that’s life-threatening.
Chris Hoke, who recently played for the Steelers, said there are dinners bought by younger players, but nothing worth $30,000. He said he was fortunate enough to be on the team with other rookies, so they split bills.
Hoke also said former head coach Bill Cowher and current head coach Mike Tomlin made it clear that trying players to goal posts and things like that aren’t tolerated.
WPXI
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/XCUXZC2XYZHCRGNNGKFEX6U3LQ.png)
