Agent: Andrew McDonald is 'Player A'
— -- A former Miami Dolphins lineman identified as one of the targets of harassment in the racially charged bullying scandal has no problem with the team, his agent said in a statement Saturday.
Andrew McDonald, Player A in an NFL-ordered report released Friday by lawyer Ted Wells, said in the statement that he is "disappointed his name has become associated" with the revelations about the reported harassment.
The report of Jonathan Martin's allegations that he was harassed by teammate Richie Incognito states that Dolphins offensive line coach Jim Turner didn't attempt to stop the behavior and even took part in some of the taunting of "Player A."
McDonald's agent, Brett Tessler, said in the statement to the Associated Press that McDonald has "been a member of another organization since last season and is trying to focus on his future. When Ted Wells approached Andrew at the end of the investigation, Mr. Wells already had all the information contained in the report that he had gotten elsewhere.
"While Andrew can't speak for other players involved in the report, he personally has had no problem with the Miami Dolphins organization and has the highest opinion of Coach Turner both personally and professionally and feels terrible about the way their relationship has been portrayed in the report."
McDonald, 25, is currently with the Carolina Panthers.
Several people interviewed told investigators that Turner gave Player A a male sex doll as a gag gift around Christmas 2012. Turner told investigators he did not remember the incident, but investigators said they did not believe him.
When asked if McDonald felt he was bullied or harassed, Tessler said the statement speaks for itself.
The 6-foot-6, 310 pound McDonald was an undrafted rookie out of Indiana who spent two seasons on the Dolphins practice squad before being released in final cuts last August. He signed with Carolina's practice squad in October and recently signed a "futures contract" with the Panthers.
Meanwhile, Martin made his first public comments Saturday since the release of the report, which concluded that the offensive lineman was subjected to "a pattern of harassment" from Incognito, offensive linemen John Jerry and Mike Pouncey during his time with the Dolphins.
Martin said on Twitter:
Focus on the positive. Life is a gift, don't ever forget that #BeGreat
- Jonathan A. Martin (@J_Martin71) February 15, 2014
Incognito, meanwhile, took to Twitter on Friday night, saying, "You could not define me in 144 years let alone 144 pages Mr Wells. Thank you for your hard work and dedication."
He then appeared to bid farewell to the social media website, saying: "Goodbye twitter. Be well. See you on the other side."
His account since has been deleted.
Also Saturday, the Palm Beach Post reported that the Dolphins will meet with Martin's representation at next week's NFL scouting combine to discuss his future. Miami is expected to trade or release Martin.
Dolphins owner Stephen Ross recently said he doesn't expect Martin or Incognito to return next season.
Incognito was suspended by the Dolphins in November.
ESPN.com Dolphins reporter James Walker and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
Focus on the positive. Life is a gift, don't ever forget that #BeGreat
Incognito, meanwhile, took to Twitter on Friday night, saying, "You could not define me in 144 years let alone 144 pages Mr Wells. Thank you for your hard work and dedication."
He then appeared to bid farewell to the social media website, saying: "Goodbye twitter. Be well. See you on the other side."
His account since has been deleted.
Also Saturday, the Palm Beach Post reported that the Dolphins will meet with Martin's representation at next week's NFL scouting combine to discuss his future. Miami is expected to trade or release Martin.
Dolphins owner Stephen Ross recently said he doesn't expect Martin or Incognito to return next season.
Incognito was suspended by the Dolphins in November.
ESPN.com Dolphins reporter James Walker and the Associated Press contributed to this report.