NEW YORK — Miami Dolphins lineman Jonathan Martin has arrived at the office of the NFL lawyer investigating the team’s bullying scandal.
The league is trying to gather information about the harassment that Martin says he was subjected to by teammate Richie Incognito.
Martin and a companion arrived at lawyer Ted Wells‘ Manhattan office building Friday and were met by a crush of reporters. The offensive lineman smiled but did not respond to questions while entering the building.
Incognito has been suspended by the Dolphins. He filed a grievance Thursday against the team over his suspension. Incognito has said his conduct was part of the normal locker-room environment.
Dolphins owner Stephen Ross also plans to meet with Martin. On Monday, he said two committees would examine the locker-room culture. Players have been virtually unanimous in saying it doesn’t need to be changed.
Martin alleges he was harassed daily by teammates, including Incognito, and the case has raised questions about the job security of coach Joe Philbin, his assistants and general manager Jeff Ireland.
Philbin won a vote of confidence this week from Ross, but that could change depending on the findings of Wells, the NFL special investigator.
Wells will determine the role of Philbin, his staff and Miami management in the case, and his report will be made public. One issue is whether anyone on the coaching staff ordered Incognito to toughen up Martin, a second-year tackle from Stanford who became a starter as a rookie but played poorly at times.
Ross also plans to meet with Martin. That meeting was originally scheduled for this week, but at the NFL’s request, it was postponed until after Wells met with Martin.
The second-year pro suddenly left the team two weeks ago and has been with family in California undergoing counseling for emotional issues.
Incognito filed a grievance Thursday against the Dolphins seeking to rejoin the team.
