Miami Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin held a press conference Monday to discuss the NFL investigation of the team's work environment and his decision to suspend offensive guard Richie Incognito.
Joe Philbin discusses Dolphins bullying
Miami Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin discussed the absence of Jonathan Martin and the investigation into the team’s locker room.
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
Philbin was adamant, noting that he had not been told of any impropriety by teammates prior to Sunday when Jonathan Martin's representatives gave the organization information regarding player misconduct. He wanted this point made abundantly clear, repeating it twice in the conference.
The timeline Philbin offered was one of an organization in the dark, completely unaware any impropriety had occurred. By his account, the Dolphins knew Martin had left the team, but did not receive a clear answer on the reason why. Philbin deferred any tough questions to NFL investigators, who he says were brought in to determine the work environment inside the organization.
The overwhelming theme of the press conference was deflection. Philbin was unwilling to answer whether he felt there was a problem with racism inside the locker room, did not elaborate on team hazing and said that he had not watched an episode of the Hard Knocks, which touched on some of the team’s harsh reaction to Martin. Each difficult question was reacted to the same -- Philbin asked the media to speak to the NFL and allow them to conduct their review of the organization.
It’s curious to note that despite the team’s head coach dodging questions and the press conference being shortened by team public relations, players have not been asked to refrain from commenting. Numerous players talked to Jeff Darlington of the NFL Network, offering their point of view on Incognito.
Dolphins CB Will Davis on Incognito: "He's a funny guy. Everybody loves him." ...he adds he is unsure of Incognito/Martin relationship.
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) November 4, 2013
Wallace: "I love Richie. I think he's a great guy. I don't think he was out of hand. I have alot of respect for Richie. I wish he was here."
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) November 4, 2013
It’s curious to see two players speaking to the media who weren’t on the team when the majority of the issues between Martin and Incognito took place. Davis was drafted in April, after the threatening voice mail was sent and Wallace didn’t join the organization until mid-March, and presumably didn’t have an opportunity to witness interactions between the linemen.
There’s more to this story that’s yet to be revealed, and it might be a while until more information is given. The Dolphins are turning public attention to the NFL’s evaluation of the work environment, but there’s very little indication when this will happen or when Jonathan Martin will return to the organization.
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