Embattled Miami Dolphins coach Joe Philbin did not directly address questions Wednesday about the events that led to the suspension of guard Richie Incognito for conduct detrimental to the team.
"As you're aware, the NFL is conducting a review," Philbin said. "We've been informed that Commissioner (Roger) Goodell has named special counsel Ted Wells to lead the review. If the review reveals anything that needs to be corrected, we will take all necessary measures to fix it and make sure this doesn't happen again."
NFL Media's Albert Breer obtained a transcript of a voice mail Monday that Incognito left teammate Jonathan Martin, which directed threats and a racial slur toward the second-year pro. The NFL and the Dolphins have heard the voice mail.
Philbin repeatedly said Wednesday he could not speak further on the matter because of the NFL's ongoing review of the situation, but he did speak about the type of culture he's tried to build in Miami. That culture has come under attack after Martin left the team last week following an incident with his fellow offensive linemen.
"The type of culture that I've championed since the day that I walked through these doors has been one of honesty, respect and accountability to one another," Philbin said. "I've considered those to be hallmarks of this program, and I believe our locker room reflects those beliefs.
"I believe in the manner of our locker room, and I believe in our coaching staff. And that's exactly what I communicated to them today. I have full faith and confidence that we will stick together as a team, (and) that we will focus at the task at hand, which is preparing for a Monday night game against Tampa Bay."
Philbin, whose coaching staff has come under attack on multiple fronts, disputes believing that Martin was "soft."
"I didn't call anybody soft," Philbin said. "You're the one who used the word 'soft.' A coach's responsibility to the players is to help players reach their potential. That's what coaches do. They help players reach their potential."
Philbin said that Martin "worked hard" every single day he came to work with Miami. Based on the comments from many of his teammates, it's an open-ended question if Martin will ever come to work with the Dolphins again.
