An investigate report by Ted Wells released on Friday confirms some of the allegations made by Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Jonathan Martin that he was bullied by Richie Incognito and other teammates. The report indicates Martin and at least two others were repeatedly subjected to harassment and "improper physical touching."
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell retained Wells on Nov. 6 to conduct an investigation into Martin's claim that persistent bullying had caused him to suddenly leave the team. Wells' report indicates bullying and harassment did occur, although Martin's teammates were not intentionally trying to cause "lasting emotional injury."
The report acknowledged Martin and Incognito's friendship, as well as harassment being a part of the locker room "culture," but said neither is an excuse for what Martin endured.
Wells also refuted a report issued by one of Martin's representatives claiming Martin "endured a malicious physical attack" at a 2012 Christmas party; Wells determined no such attack occurred.
Wells summarized his findings in a press release:
"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. ...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."
Incognito posted a series of tweets on Wednesday and said the truth will bury Martin.
