:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/23525133/20131104_ter_bt1_556.0.jpg)
As the meetings and hearings keep piling up on the Miami Dolphins, time is getting tight. Currently, NFL investigator Ted Wells is at the team facilities, meeting with players, coaches, and executives , while the team also works on preparation for the Carolina Panthers, who head to Miami on Sunday. Well is looking into the allegations raised by tackle Jonathan Martin, trying to determine if there is a culture of harassment and bullying withing Miami’s locker room.
The team also is facing a grievance hearing from suspended guard Richie Incognito, looking to get back his missed pay checks, as well as get reinstated by the team as early as possible. Incognito, who was suspended “indefinitely” once Martin made his allegations, is arguing that the “detrimental” conduct that led to his suspension actually was caused by Martin, and his representatives, through their leaks and comments about the team and Incognito. The grievance also states that the Dolphins never warned Incognito that his actions could lead to a suspension, nor have they told him the link of the suspension or exactly what conduct led to his suspension.
According to the collective bargaining agreement, a team may suspend a played for detrimental conduct for up to four weeks, and fine him an additional pay check. The Dolphins have acknowledged that restriction in writing, according to ESPN.
The team, according to that same ESPN report, has also now requested a delay to the grievance hearing itself. Originally scheduled for Thursday, the Dolphins seem to be asking for the delay simply to make sure that it does not overlap with Wells’ time in the facility.
No decision has been released on either a rescheduled hearing or a rejection of the team’s request. Wells is expected to leave the team on Wednesday, though he could stay longer if more interviews are needed. The four game suspension for Incognito is scheduled to end on December 2, at which point the Dolphins will either have to put Incognito back on the 53-man roster or waive the Pro Bowl guard.
More Miami Dolphins coverage:
Join the discussion: Sign up for your free Phinsider and SB Nation account