Dolphins Fire Offensive Line Coach Involved In Harassment Of Player

The Miami Dolphins have canned offensive line coach Jim Turner tonight. Turner had been mentioned in Ted Wells's investigation into the harassment of Dolphins offensive lineman Jonathan Martin.

Turner didn't have any reported instances of taunting Martin, but played a role as one of the people harassing former rookie lineman Andrew McDonald—formerly known as "Player A"—participating alongside McDonald's teammates:

Martin and other witnesses informed us that Player A was repeatedly called a "faggot" and subjected to other homophobic invective. Incognito stated that Player A, although not actually believed to be gay, was subject to these taunts repeatedly and persistently—he got it "every day from everybody, high frequency." According to Incognito, Player A was a "good kid" and he "took it well," never asking his teammates to stop.

Incognito and others acknowledged that Player A was routinely touched by Incognito, Jerry and Pouncey in a mockingly suggestive manner, including on his rear end, while being taunted about his supposed homosexuality. Incognito specifically admitted that he would grab Player A and ask for a hug as part of this "joke."

Martin said that on one occasion, Pouncey physically restrained Player A and, in full view of other players, jokingly told Jerry to "come get some pussy," and that Jerry responded by touching Player A's buttocks in a way that simulated anal penetration. Pouncey and Jerry both denied this allegation. Given the seriousness of this allegation and the conflicting recollections, we decline to make any findings about this particular alleged incident.

The evidence shows that [Offensive Line Coach Jim Turner] overheard and participated in this behavior toward Player A. During the 2012 Christmas season, Coach Turner gave all of the offensive linemen gift bags that included a variety of stocking stuffers. In each gift bag except for Player A's, Turner included a female "blow-up" doll; Player A's bag included a male doll.

After Martin came forward with the harassment by teammate Richie Incognito and others, Turner texted Martin in an attempt to convince him to retract his statements:

Turner: Richie incognito is getting hammered on national TV. This is not right. You could put an end to all the rumors with a simple statement. DO THE RIGHT THING. NOW.

Martin: Coach. I want to put out a statement. Believe me I do. This thing has become such a huge story somehow. But I've been advised not to... And I'm not supposed to text anyone either cuz last time I responded to a teammate (Richie) I was intentionally manipulated and the conversation was immediately forwarded to a reporter.

Turner: He is protecting himself. He has been beat up for 4 days. Put an end to this. You are a grown man. Do the right thing

Turner: John I want the best for you and your health but make a statement and take the heat off Richie and the lockerroom. This isn't right.

Turner [The next day]: I know you are a man of character. Where is it?

The Dolphins also announced release of head trainer Kevin O'Neill, which was reported earlier today.

[ @MiamiDolphins]