The fallout in the Miami Dolphins organization continues from Ted Wells investigation into workplace harassment, stemming from the Richie Incognito bullying incident, released last week.
Several media outlets reported that the Dolphins fired offensive line coach Jim Turner and head trainer Kevin O'Neill on Thursday for their involvement in Miami's dysfunctional workplace that led to offensive lineman Jonathan Martin leaving the team in October.
According to NFLDraftRumors.com, the Sun-Sentinel's Dave Hyde reported that O'Neill had been voted the NFL's best trainer by fellow trainers and medical staff and was to be given an award on Friday.
Fox Sports' Alex Marvez added that the Dolphins pulled O'Neill out of a Combine athletic trainer's meeting so that they could fire him.
NFLDraftRumors.com retold the Wells report that stated that Turner took part in the harassment of Dolphins player Jonathan Martin, and he repeatedly called Andrew Gardner a homosexual. Turner also lied to investigators and instructed Martin to come to Incognito's defense.
NFLDraftRumors.com also posted comments from owner Stephen Ross and coach Joe Philbin.
From Ross: "The language and behavior as described in the Ted Wells report are against the core values of our organization," said Ross. "After receiving the report, I conducted my own internal review of the facts to determine the appropriate steps for our organization. Jim Turner and Kevin O'Neill are good people who care a great deal about their profession and the players whom they serve, but both exhibited poor judgment at times which led me to this conclusion. ... I am in contact with Jonathan Martin and we plan to meet soon."
From Philbin: "As the Head Coach of the Miami Dolphins, it is my responsibility to create an atmosphere that allows each player the opportunity to reach his full potential. As Stephen Ross said, and I agree, the language and behavior outlined in Ted Wells' report was disappointing and unacceptable. Since I first arrived in Miami, it has been my goal to have a team which honors our proud tradition and represents our fan base the right way both on and off the field. It is not possible for a team to accomplish its goals when the fundamental values of respect are violated. That ultimately rests on my shoulders and I will be accountable moving forward for making sure that we emphasize a team-first culture of respect towards one another."
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