Miami Dolphins coach Joe Philbin wanted to release offensive guard Richie Incognito after he was accused of harassing a female volunteer at the team's charity golf tournament in May 2012, ESPN reported Sunday.Philbin's request was revealed during recent interviews by independent investigator Ted Wells, who is examining the Dolphins' locker room culture stemming from the team's bullying scandal. Offensive tackle Jonathan Martin left the team Oct. 28, claiming he was harassed by Incognito and other teammates.
Philbin, who was hired in January 2012, told others in the organization after the golf outing that he wanted Incognito off the team, sources told ESPN. However, Philbin was overruled by the team's front office.
Incognito was suspended Nov. 3 for conduct detrimental to the team related to Martin's bullying allegations. Incognito's four-game suspension was to end Monday under terms of the collective bargaining agreement, but it was extended with pay and could last up to a maximum six weeks in a deal reached with the Dolphins on Nov. 21.
Martin was placed on the non-football illness list Saturday, and will not return to the team this season.
