The Dolphins’ bullying scandal apparently has a new target in Miami offensive line coach Jim Turner.
Just two days after Jonathan Martin gave his version of events to the attorney investigating the matter on behalf of the NFL, Turner reportedly has become a person of interest for verbally abusing Martin in the months leading up to the offensive tackle’s abrupt departure from the team late last month.
ESPN reported Sunday Turner, who has a military background, is now likely to be interviewed and investigated by the league because he would “insult, bully and pile it on” Martin.
That was a new twist to the situation, considering Martin’s camp had focused on the behavior of since-suspended teammate Richie Incognito and other players in explaining why Martin abruptly walked away.
But Martin — who said in a statement he wants to resume his playing career — is now believed to also have singled out Turner in his roughly seven hours of testimony to NFL investigator Ted Wells at Wells’ Manhattan office on Friday.
According to ESPN, the league now wants to speak to Turner about the culture that existed in his offensive-line unit since Martin arrived as a second-round pick out of Stanford last season.
Turner might not be the only new face getting heat as part of the investigation, though. The network reported the NFL has received multiple tips of other potential instances of harassment within the Dolphins’ locker room, which wouldn’t bode well for coach Joe Philbin even after Miami improved to 5-5 on Sunday with a 20-17 win over the Chargers.
Martin’s testimony to Wells won’t stay secret for long. The expedited appeal of his indefinite suspension Incognito filed on Thursday is likely to be heard next week, and the arbitrator assigned to his case will be able to demand access to the material Martin gave Wells.
The NFL Players Association is helping Incognito with his appeal, which might explain why Martin did not allow any union representatives to sit in on his meeting with Wells.