INDIANAPOLIS -- A forceful Joe Philbin took responsibility for the Dolphins’ bullying scandal Thursday, but was light on details about what he knew, when he knew it and what’s next for his embattled franchise.
Speaking for the first time since Ted Wells determined that Dolphins players engaged “in a pattern of harassment,” Philbin said the behavior was “inappropriate and unacceptable. ... We’re going to make it better.”
Added, speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine: “I’m the one responsible for the workplace environment at the Miami Dolphins facility.”
And yet, the Dolphins’ head coach said he was unaware of the majority of events detailed in Wells’ damning report on the team’s workplace conduct scandal.
Furthermore, Philbin punted when asked how he could have allowed Richie Incognito to become a team leader in 2013, particularly after his alleged molestation of a woman at the team’s charity golf outing.
Philbin technically didn’t name Incognito to the leadership council, as it was decided by a vote among the players. But he also didn’t veto the selection. Philbin did say he was part of the group that decided to fine Incognito $50,000 for the golf course incident instead of cutting him outright.
Bullying victim Jonathan Martin remains under contract with the Dolphins, but few believe he will return to the team. Philbin said Martin will meet with owner Stephen Ross in the coming days or weeks and didn’t want to speculate about Martin’s role with the team moving forward before that meeting takes place.
Philbin also wouldn’t say if Incognito, Mike Pouncey or John Jerry have a future with the team. All three are expect to receive some sort of punishment from the league — either a suspension or a fine.
“We haven’t made any decision on any of the futures” of the players involved, said Philbin, who added the Dolphins are working in concert with the league on possible sanctions.
Philbin tried to walk the line between contrition and action, saying he “would have hoped that I would have noticed some of these things.”
When asked if the incident has been embarrassing for the franchise, Philbin responded: “It’s been tough on a lot of people. Tough for our ownership, fan base. It’s touched a lot of people across the country.”
Philbin added: “I have to do a better job. ... I’m going to look at every avenue.”
When asked by a reporter how he still has a job, Philbin responded: “Steve Ross is the one who does the hiring on the Miami Dolphins .. It’s a question you should ask him.”
0 comments:
Post a Comment