Dolphins react to Wells' report by firing trainer and offensive line coach

Ted Wells' investigative report of the Jonathan Martin-Richie Incognito controversy produced its first casualties today, as the Miami Dolphins announced that offensive line coach Jim Turner and Head Athletic Trainer Kevin O'Neill have been relieved of their duties effective immediately.

Turner served as Miami's offensive line coach for the past two seasons, while O'Neill was in his position for the past 18 years.

"The language and behavior as described in the Ted Wells report are against the core values of our organization," said Dolphins owner Stephen Ross. "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."

The 144-page report detailed a pattern of harassment against Martin by three teammates, including Incognito. Furthermore, inappropriate racial remarks were also made toward O'Neill's assistant, an individual born in Japan.

The higher-ups in the organization have continually denied any awareness of the harassment, and have insisted that such conduct would not be tolerated.

“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," said coach Joe Philbin. "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."

By Staff of The Daily Sports Herald and news services