‘A Classic Case of Bullying’ on the Dolphins, Report Finds
By BEN SHPIGEL, NYT, FEB. 14, 2014
On the Miami Dolphins’ practice field, players simulated sexual acts as they taunted a teammate about his sister. In the team’s hallways and meeting rooms, racist epithets and homophobic language flowed. One coach gave an offensive lineman an inflatable male doll as part of his Christmas stocking stuffer. Many of the Dolphins knew, but did not say or do anything.
The players apparently considered this behavior part of the job. In the wake of it, a young player, Jonathan Martin, quit the team and debated giving up on his career, feeling such psychological duress that he said he twice considered committing suicide.
In a 144-page report commissioned by the N.F.L. to explore allegations of bullying within the Dolphins, the life of players was depicted in extraordinary and often unseemly detail, evoking “Lord of the Flies” more than the highlight shows that saturate autumn Sundays. The report determined that three Miami offensive linemen — Richie Incognito, John Jerry and Mike Pouncey — “engaged in a pattern of harassment” toward Martin; another young offensive lineman; and an assistant trainer, including improper touching and sexual taunting.
The verbal and physical abuse was widespread and even celebrated, according to Ted Wells, a defense lawyer who was hired by the N.F.L. in November to investigate the scandal that engulfed the Dolphins and tarnished the league, which has attained exceptional popularity while facing issues like spying, bounty programs and the long-term dangers of brain trauma.
(More here.)
On the Miami Dolphins’ practice field, players simulated sexual acts as they taunted a teammate about his sister. In the team’s hallways and meeting rooms, racist epithets and homophobic language flowed. One coach gave an offensive lineman an inflatable male doll as part of his Christmas stocking stuffer. Many of the Dolphins knew, but did not say or do anything.
The players apparently considered this behavior part of the job. In the wake of it, a young player, Jonathan Martin, quit the team and debated giving up on his career, feeling such psychological duress that he said he twice considered committing suicide.
In a 144-page report commissioned by the N.F.L. to explore allegations of bullying within the Dolphins, the life of players was depicted in extraordinary and often unseemly detail, evoking “Lord of the Flies” more than the highlight shows that saturate autumn Sundays. The report determined that three Miami offensive linemen — Richie Incognito, John Jerry and Mike Pouncey — “engaged in a pattern of harassment” toward Martin; another young offensive lineman; and an assistant trainer, including improper touching and sexual taunting.
The verbal and physical abuse was widespread and even celebrated, according to Ted Wells, a defense lawyer who was hired by the N.F.L. in November to investigate the scandal that engulfed the Dolphins and tarnished the league, which has attained exceptional popularity while facing issues like spying, bounty programs and the long-term dangers of brain trauma.
(More here.)
Powered by Blogger
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home