DAVIE, Fla. — Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross says he spoke with the NFL and the attorney who investigated the team’s bullying scandal to get a sense of what will be included in their forthcoming report on the case.
“I have an idea what will be in it,” Ross said Tuesday. “I haven’t seen the report. I don’t know exactly what his conclusion is. When it comes out, we’ll do what has to be done. In my mind, I know what direction we’re going.”
Following an 8-8 season tainted by the scandal, Ross decided to keep coach Joe Philbin and part with general manager Jeff Ireland. Dennis Hickey was introduced as Ireland’s replacement at a news conference Tuesday, where Ross talked briefly about the case that rocked the franchise at midseason.
New York attorney Ted Wells began a league investigation in November, and his report will be released after the Super Bowl.
Tackle Jonathan Martin left the Dolphins in October and alleged he was harassed daily by teammates, including guard Richie Incognito, who was suspended for the final eight games.
Incognito becomes a free agent this winter. When asked if he or Martin will play for the Dolphins again, Ross equivocated.
“I don’t believe so — well, I can’t say that,” Ross said, adding with a chuckle, “Therefore I retract that.”
Wells’ report is expected to address the roles of Philbin, his staff and Miami management in the case. One issue is whether anyone on the coaching staff ordered Incognito to toughen up Martin.
The case inspired a national debate about workplace bullying.
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