Wednesday 6 November 2013

Report: GM said Martin should punch Incognito




Updated: November 7, 2013, 2:18 AM ET

ESPN.com news services






Miami Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland suggested offensive tackle Jonathan Martin physically confront guard Richie Incognito — even saying he should “punch” him — as a means of dealing with how he was being treated, Pro Football Talk reported Wednesday night.


According to the report, which cited multiple league sources, Martin’s agent, Rick Smith, called Ireland before his client left the team Oct. 28 and complained about the manner in which the second-year player was being treated by Incognito.


In response, Ireland suggested Martin respond to Incognito physically and specifically mentioned that he should “punch” the veteran guard, the sources told Pro Football Talk.


Martin left the Dolphins last week after claims of harassment and misconduct by teammates.


Sources told ESPN on Wednesday that Martin recently checked himself into a South Florida hospital to be treated for emotional distress. The specific treatment of Martin’s emotional condition was not disclosed, but sources say it was related to his belief that he had been a target of harassment, including from Incognito.


Multiple sources confirmed to ESPN earlier this week that Incognito used racial epithets and profane language toward Martin on multiple occasions. In a transcript of a voice mail message from April, Incognito referred to Martin as a “half n—– piece of s—.”


The 6-foot-3, 319-pound Incognito, a ninth-year pro, is white. The 6-5, 312-pound Martin is biracial.


The Dolphins suspended Incognito indefinitely for conduct detrimental to the team Sunday night.


The NFL is investigating the troubled relationship between Martin and Incognito. One of the pivotal questions being posed by both the league and the NFL Players Association is whether Martin reached out to coach Joe Philbin as the issues were unfolding.


Sources told ESPN that the NFLPA is calling for a meeting with the agents for Martin and Incognito to discuss how the controversy is damaging both players.


Martin, meanwhile, remains in California, preparing a detailed document for his cooperation with the league’s investigation into a string of alleged multiple incidents he says led to his emotional distress and exit from the team, sources said.


Information from ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen and ESPN.com Dolphins reporter James Walker was used in this report.




ESPN.com – NFL



Report: GM said Martin should punch Incognito

Dolphins vets come to Incognito"s defense




Updated: November 6, 2013, 11:19 PM ET

By James Walker | ESPN.com






DAVIE, Fla. — Veteran Miami Dolphins players offered overwhelming support for suspended guard Richie Incognito on Wednesday, while also displaying anger toward second-year offensive tackle Jonathan Martin, who left the team last week after claims of harassment and misconduct.





 Richie said, ‘Jonathan is like my little brother.’ I think that’s an accurate depiction. He gave him a hard time. He messed with him. But he was the first one there to have his back in any situation.


– Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill, on relationship between Richie Incognito and Jonathan Martin




“I think if you have a problem with somebody — a legitimate problem with somebody — you should say, ‘I have a problem with this,’ and stand up and be a man,” Dolphins offensive tackle Tyson Clabo said. “I don’t think what happened is necessary. I don’t know why he’s doing this, and the only person who knows why is Jonathan Martin.”


Multiple sources confirmed to ESPN on Monday that Incognito used racial epithets and profane language toward Martin on multiple occasions. In a transcript of a voice mail message from April, Incognito referred to Martin as a “half n—– piece of s—,” and added, “F— you, you’re still a rookie. I’ll kill you.”


Representatives for Martin have turned over evidence of harassment to the Dolphins, the NFL and the NFL Players Association.


Some Dolphins players were aware of the contents in the voice mail, but many defended Incognito against claims that he is racist and intended to harm Martin.



“I never thought it was a death threat,” Dolphins receiver Brian Hartline said. “I never thought he was actually going to do the things he said. If you can’t take validity from one part of the voice mail, how do you take validity from the whole voice mail? You can’t pick and choose what parts count and which parts don’t count.”


Dolphins players described Incognito and Martin as good friends. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill even described Martin as a protégé of Incognito’s.


“Richie said, ‘Jonathan is like my little brother,’” Tannehill said of a past conversation. “I think that’s an accurate depiction. He gave him a hard time. He messed with him. But he was the first one there to have his back in any situation.”


Added left tackle Bryant McKinnie, who joined the Dolphins last month: “I thought they were friends. They looked like friends to me. I never seen any tension or anything. I didn’t see this coming.


“The only person who got [punished] was Richie. The other guy, that was his option. He had a choice what he wanted to do. Richie didn’t really have a choice.”



The Dolphins suspended Incognito, a free agent after this season, indefinitely on Sunday for conduct detrimental to the team. The Miami Herald reported Monday that the Dolphins plan to cut ties with the player.


As for Martin, some Dolphins players were asked if he can return to the team’s locker room.


Several players declined to answer that question on Wednesday — almost out of spite.


Martin, a 2012 second-round pick, has two years left on his contract.


“The people who can hurt you the most in this world are the people closest to you,” Hartline said of his stance on Martin and Incognito. “When you mistake one for the other, that’s when you find problems.”







ESPN.com – NFL



Dolphins vets come to Incognito"s defense

NFL: Midseason review of NFC draft needs


Commentary


Originally Published: November 5, 2013

By ESPN.com NFL Nation




ESPN.com – NFL



NFL: Midseason review of NFC draft needs

NFL: Midseason review of AFC draft needs


Commentary


Originally Published: November 5, 2013

By ESPN.com NFL Nation




ESPN.com – NFL



NFL: Midseason review of AFC draft needs

Dolphins players don"t think Incognito is racist




Updated: November 6, 2013, 1:08 PM ET

ESPN.com news services






Multiple members of the Miami Dolphins recently told ESPN that they do not believe suspended offensive lineman Richie Incognito is a racist.


The NFL currently is investigating the troubled relationship between Incognito and teammate Jonathan Martin, who left the Dolphins last week because of emotional issues stemming from alleged harassment and misconduct.



Incognito, who was suspended Sunday by the Dolphins for conduct detrimental for the team, has been identified as making racial slurs and physical threats toward Martin, who is biracial, in a voice mail message sent this past April.


But despite the derogatory and racially charged language in Incognito’s voice mail, Dolphins center Mike Pouncey and star wide receiver Mike Wallace both told ESPN’s Cris Carter that they want Incognito back on the team.


Carter recounted his conversations with Pouncey and Wallace during an interview Wednesday on “SportsCenter,” claiming that both players “respect” and “love” Incognito.


Pouncey, who has been teammates with Incognito for parts of three seasons, and Wallace, in his first year with the Dolphins, told Carter that they do not believe Incognito is a racist.


Pouncey and Wallace also told Carter that they feel comfortable with Incognito as a teammate, saying they feel he is not getting a fair defense in what has become a national controversy.


Sources confirmed to ESPN on Monday that Incognito used racial epithets and profane language toward Martin on multiple occasions. In a transcript of the voice mail message from April, Incognito referred to Martin as a “half n—– piece of s—.”


The Sun Sentinel, citing at least two sources, reported Tuesday that Dolphins coaches asked Incognito to toughen Martin up this past spring, after Martin missed a voluntary team workout. The sources told the Sun Sentinel that Incognito took the request too far.



Pouncey told Carter, however, that he was never instructed by coaches to toughen up Martin.


Incognito, in his first public comments since the suspension, told WSVN Channel 7 on Tuesday that he is “trying to weather the storm.”


“You know what, I’m just trying to weather the storm right now,” Incognito told the TV station. “This will pass.”


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 locker room has included complaints by young players that they’re pressured to pay more than their share when team members socialize together.


The Miami Herald reported Monday that the Dolphins plan to cut ties with Incognito. The Dolphins did not place Martin on the non-football injury list Tuesday, meaning he will remain on the active roster and be paid this week, a source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.


Dolphins coach Joe Philbin became somewhat emotional while addressing the media Monday, taking the blame for the environment that was created in his locker room.


Several other Dolphins players have said they were unaware of any issues between Martin and Incognito.


“I never heard anything about it until now,” said linebacker Dannell Ellerbe, who was a member of Miami’s six-player leadership council along with Incognito.


Ellerbe also indicated that Martin should have informed the leadership council of his problems.


“We don’t have no problem with [coming forward],” Ellerbe said. “We would try to handle it the best way possible. We would rather that [happen] than this.”


Information from ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter and ESPN.com Dolphins reporter James Walker was used in this report.




ESPN.com – NFL



Dolphins players don"t think Incognito is racist

Cutler uncertain if he"ll play against Lions


Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler indicated Tuesday that his return for Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions isn’t a certainty, as he continues to go through the rehabilitation process for a torn groin muscle.



Injured on Oct. 20 against the Washington Redskins, Cutler said he had hoped to be back for Monday night’s game against the Green Bay Packers. Although he’s utilized unconventional methods to speed up the recovery — including platelet-rich plasma treatments, an ARP machine and a strict diet — he said he doesn’t have a say on how soon he returns.


Team doctors told Cutler, coach Marc Trestman and general manager Phil Emery that the timetable for recovery is a minimum of four weeks.


“I was aiming for the Green Bay game, and that didn’t happen. So I don’t think we can say I’ll be out there for the Detroit game,” Cutler said Tuesday on ESPN 1000′s “The Jay Cutler Show.”


“We’re trying everything we can to get out there. It feels good, but I haven’t practiced. I haven’t been in a live situation and done all the cuts and the drops and saw how it felt yet. So I can’t tell you. I wish I could. I wish I could say, ‘Yeah, we’ll be out there.’


“But I think the way that [backup] Josh [McCown] is playing, we feel good about that and we don’t want to get into the situation where I’m out there and I get back a week too soon and I’m set back another four to six weeks. So I’m just gonna be smart with it.”



When the Bears (5-3) host the Lions (5-3) on Sunday, 21 days will have passed since Cutler suffered the injury.


Cutler said the healing process has moved along quickly because “I’ve just done a lot of rehab,” and that the original four-week minimum prognosis involved the recovery time frame for someone that “kind of let it heal itself and [took] it easy,” as opposed to the aggressive approach he’s taken.


“We’ve done some stuff that isn’t just straight ice and [muscle] stim[ulation]. There’s an ARP machine there. We did PRP. We’ve done a lot of different things,” Cutler said. “The trainers, the Bears have done a great job, Bobby [Slater, the assistant head athletic trainer and director of rehabilitation] and those guys, of helping me get back.


“We’ve kind of attacked this thing head on, thrown a lot of different methods at it, and just tried to keep the blood flowing there.”


An ARP machine (Accelerated Recovery Performance) is a unit that helps heal soft-tissue injuries by sending a direct current to an injured area, along with a background current that the machine’s creators believe allows for deeper penetration. PRP treatments involve the injection of a patient’s own platelets into the injured area. The platelets are reported to have growth factors that help in healing.


Bears running back Matt Forte also has utilized an ARP machine and PRP treatments to speed up the healing process.


In addition, Cutler has restricted his diet in his bid to return to the field.


“Just keeping your sugar levels, try to keep them as level as possible,” Cutler said. “It’s hard on your body trying to heal an injury and also break down numerous amounts of carbs that we eat and all kinds of other stuff.”


Asked if he would consider himself 75 percent healthy, Cutler said, “I don’t know.”


“We haven’t done football-specific stuff to really tell me where I’m at. I haven’t pushed that button and said, ‘Hey, let’s go do a bunch of drops. Let’s roll out. Let’s throw and see where we’re at,’ ” Cutler said. “I can do some lunges and stuff for you. But that’s not gonna tell me [I] can get out of the way of a defensive lineman.


“We have a walkthrough tomorrow. We’re practicing Thursday. Hopefully we’ll see if we can do some stuff out there. If not, we’re in more than capable hands [with McCown]. I think Chicago would agree.”


But no matter Cutler’s opinion, the decision won’t be in his hands.


“I’m not gonna just walk in the building and be like, ‘Hey, I’m ready to go,’ ” Cutler said. “Doctors have got to OK it. I’ve got to prove to them that I can protect myself out there, [that I] can do everything that we need to do at the quarterback position. We’ve still got some hurdles to go through.”


Cutler acknowledged that the waiting is difficult, but he believes in McCown’s ability to get the job done during his absence.


In a little more than six quarters in the past two games, McCown has completed 36 of 61 passes for 476 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions while generating passer ratings of 119.6 and 90.7.


“I want to be out there. I wanted to be out there Monday night. It’s just hard seeing how much time and effort the rest of the guys in the offense and the rest of the guys on the team put in and not being able to help and do my part. That’s the hardest part,” Cutler said. “But that’s why we have Josh. That’s why Josh takes his job so seriously, for situations like that. I’ve just got to trust in the fact that he’s gonna go out there, he’s gonna do everything he can do to help us win games.”









ESPN.com – NFL



Cutler uncertain if he"ll play against Lions

Sources: Martin never approached Philbin




Updated: November 5, 2013, 6:12 PM ET

ESPN.com news services






Offensive lineman Jonathan Martin did not approach Miami Dolphins coach Joe Philbin to voice his concerns about instances of alleged harassment, sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter on Tuesday.


The NFL is investigating the troubled relationship between Martin and fellow offensive lineman Richie Incognito. One of the pivotal questions being posed by both the league and the NFL Players Association is whether Martin reached out to Philbin as the issues were unfolding.



Martin left the Dolphins last week because of emotional issues, and Incognito was suspended indefinitely Sunday by Philbin for his treatment of his teammate. The Dolphins did not place Martin on the non-football injury list Tuesday, meaning he will remain on the active roster and be paid this week, a source told Schefter.


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 locker room has included complaints by young players that they’re pressured to pay more than their share when team members socialize together.


The Miami Herald reported Monday that the Dolphins plan to cut ties with Incognito.


The NFLPA released a statement Tuesday saying it will insist on a fair investigation for all involved in the harassment case.


“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’s statement said. “As the representative organization of all players, the NFLPA will insist on a fair investigation for all involved. We will continue to remain in contact with the impacted players, their representatives and player leadership.”


Multiple sources confirmed to ESPN on Monday that Incognito used racial epithets and profane language toward Martin on multiple occasions. In a transcript of a voice mail message from April, Incognito referred to Martin as a “half n—– piece of s—.”


The 6-foot-3, 319-pound Incognito, a ninth-year pro, is white. The 6-5, 312-pound Martin, who is in his second NFL season, is biracial.


Sources say Martin also received a series of texts that included derogatory terms referring to the female anatomy and sexual orientation.



While much of the reaction to the situation has been supportive of Martin, New York Giants safety Antrel Rolle indicated that the second-year lineman should have stuck up for himself.


“Was Richie Incognito wrong? Absolutely,” Rolle said Tuesday during a radio interview with WFAN in New York. “But I think the other guy is just as much to blame as Richie because he allowed it to happen.


“At this level, you’re a man. You’re not a little boy. You’re not a freshman in college. You’re a man.”


The usually docile Philbin became somewhat emotional while addressing the media Monday, taking the blame for the environment that was created in his locker room.


“I want you to know, as head coach of the Miami Dolphins, I am in charge of the workplace atmosphere,” Philbin said. “Since April 10, 2012, when players first came here … every decision I’ve made, everything we’ve done at this facility was done with one thing in mind: that is to help our players and our organization to reach their full potential. Any type of conduct and behavior that detracts from that objective will not be tolerated.”


Several Dolphins players have said they were unaware of any issues between Martin and Incognito.


“I never heard anything about it until now,” said linebacker Dannell Ellerbe, who was a member of Miami’s six-player leadership council along with Incognito.


Ellerbe also indicated that Martin should have informed the leadership council of his problems.


“We don’t have no problem with [coming forward],” Ellerbe said. “We would try to handle it the best way possible. We would rather that [happen] than this.”


Starting left tackle Bryant McKinnie, who was traded to the Dolphins two weeks ago, also was surprised by the news.


“I didn’t sense anything,” McKinnie said. “I mean, I was kind of caught off guard with it. I don’t really know too much about the situation because I just got here.”


Starting cornerback Dimitri Patterson has played for five teams in eight seasons. He said sometimes personal issues between players fall between the cracks in a locker room.


“Everybody has their own deal going on. Guys don’t know,” Patterson said. “There’s so much that goes on throughout a work week, and there’s so much that goes on throughout guys’ individual lives. Guys have kids, guys have other things that’s going on.”


Information from ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, ESPN.com Dolphins reporter James Walker, ESPN.com Giants reporter Dan Graziano and The Associated Press was used in this report.




ESPN.com – NFL



Sources: Martin never approached Philbin