Miami Dolphins offensive line coach Jim Turner has been relieved of his duties following the release of Ted Wells' independent investigation of misconduct in the locker room, the team announced Wednesday. Head trainer Kevin O'Neill also was dismissed.
"The language and behavior as described in the Ted Wells report are against the core values of our organization," Dolphins owner Stephen Ross said in a statement. "After receiving the report, I conducted my own internal review of the facts to determine the appropriate steps for our organization. Jim Turner and Kevin O'Neill are good people who care a great deal about their profession and the players whom they serve, but both exhibited poor judgment at times which led me to this conclusion.
"As owner, I know firsthand of the high-character and dedicated professionals in our building. I believe in our team and know the hard work and sacrifices they make every day on the field and in the community. However, this is an opportunity and a teaching moment not only for the coaches, staff and players in our locker room, but also for participants throughout sports."
Dolphins coach Joe Philbin also commented on Turner's departure via the team's statement. Philbin and general manager Dennis Hickey will address the media Thursday in Indianapolis at the NFL Scouting Combine.
"As the Head Coach of the Miami Dolphins, it is my responsibility to create an atmosphere that allows each player the opportunity to reach his full potential," Philbin said. "As Stephen Ross said, and I agree, the language and behavior outlined in Ted Wells' report was disappointing and unacceptable.
"Since I first arrived in Miami, it has been my goal to have a team which honors our proud tradition and represents our fan base the right way both on and off the field. It is not possible for a team to accomplish its goals when the fundamental values of respect are violated. That ultimately rests on my shoulders and I will be accountable moving forward for making sure that we emphasize a team-first culture of respect towards one another."
NFL Media's Albert Breer reported Wednesday that the embattled offensive line coach was not slated to work at the annual pre-draft event in Indianapolis, according to team sources.
Turner's name appeared several times in Ted Wells' independent report on the Dolphins' workplace. According to the report, Turner tolerated and even participated in the harassment of Miami players, lied to investigators and repeatedly attempted to convince Jonathan Martin to publicly defend teammate Richie Incognito.
With Turner now having been shown the door, his replacement already might be in-house. The Dolphins hired former Houston Texans offensive line coach John Benton to be an assistant line coach earlier this month. Benton has a decade of experience as a line coach in the league.
On the latest edition of the "Around The League Podcast," the guys speculate on big names who could be cut, then talk offseason forecasts for the Cowboys and Raiders.
