Dolphins scandal deepens
Miami Dolphins coach Joe Philbin confirmed on Saturday that suspended offensive guard Richie Incognito was investigated last year for allegedly harassing a female volunteer at the team’s annual golf tournament.
“That inc ident occurred a year and a half ago,” Philbin said. “We were made aware of the incident and we took immediate action.”
He would not elaborate on what action was taken or whether the NFL was informed about the incident.
Incognito played all 16 games last season and was voted onto the team’s leadership counsel by his teammates earlier this year.
No charges were filed against Incognito after the incident, which took place in Aventura, Florida.
WPLG, Miami’s ABC television affiliate, reported the woman claimed Incognito had been drinking alcohol and acting inappropriately. He allegedly approached her and rubbed his golf club against her.
After notifying her supervisor, who then informed team security about the incident, she claimed nothing was done. However, former Dolphins wide receiver Nat Moore apologized to her after he heard about the incident.
The woman wanted an apology from Incognito, but did not receive one.
The TV station reported she kept silent about the incident for the past year because of a confidentiality agreement.
Incognito was recently suspended indefinitely in the scandal that involves the bullying of fellow Dolphins offensive lineman Jonathan Martin, who left the team last week and is with his family in California where he has had counseling for emotional issues.
The alleged bullying centers around hazing that Martin faced from teammates in his 2012 rookie season that carried over into this year.
A source told ESPN.com Incognito feels “shocked” and “betrayed” by Martin’s claims and believed the two were friends.