Dolphins say they support Martin
Miami Dolphins coach Joe Philbin on Friday addressed reports that right tackle Jonathan Martin may have left the team because of bullying from teammates.
"I'm aware of this report, and I can say without question that we emphasize a culture of team first, accountability and respect for one another," Philbin said. "Any behavior that deviates from that is inconsistent with the values of our organization.
"This is something that we take very seriously. It will not be tolerated."
The team said Martin would be welcomed back.
Martin has not been with the Dolphins since a Monday incident in which players jokingly refused to sit with him in the team's cafeteria.
Martin expects to be away from the team for several weeks, according to NFL Media. According to the report, Martin has been in touch with teammates and is trying to work through his problems with his family.He hopes to return to the team at some point.
Philbin would not say if any players involved in the cafeteria incident will be disciplined.
"Sometimes stuff happens," he said. "Stuff happens in the family, and it's not always great and we have to deal with it."
Multiple media outlets reported that Martin slammed his food tray to the floor and left the cafeteria in response to the prank.
Martin, the Dolphins' second-round draft pick in 2012 out of Stanford, has been teased and bullied by teammates in the locker room and nicknamed "Big Weirdo," according to Fox Sports.
After Miami's 22-20 overtime win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday night, members of the team said they support Martin.
"Obviously, we care about J-Mart a lot; we just want him to be all right," right tackle Tyson Clabo said. "I want him to come back to work. He's a talented, young football player. I can't say what he's feeling. But I know if and when he wants to come back, I will be there to shake his hand."
Several teammates hinted that Martin is dealing with stress and other personal issues.
"He just had some things going on," tailback Lamar Miller said. "But as a team, we just continued to stay focused."
Philbin read a prepared statement after the game when he was asked about Martin.
"What I'd like to say in regards to Jonathan, any player with an injury or illness, our concern is for the health of the individual," Philbin said. "In respect to Jonathan, he's been excused with a non-football illness. Our concern and support are with him. That's all I'm going to say."
The team only listed Martin on its injury report as "illness."
Fox Sports reported that Martin received counseling and is spending time with his family.
Before Thursday's game, Martin posted a message on his Facebook page that read: "Happy Halloween! Don't believe everything you read," according to NBC Sports' Pro Football Talk.
