Photo by The Associated Press.
Embattled offensive guard Richie Incognito has filed a non-injury grievance against his team, the Miami Dolphins.
”The grievance challenges his suspension for conduct which was alleged to have occurred while he was with the club,” the NFL Players Association said in a statement. ”In the grievance, Incognito requests that the hearing be held on an expedited basis so that he can immediately resume playing for the team.
”The NFL Players Association will continue to protect the rights of all players.”
Incognito was suspended by Miami on Nov. 3 for misconduct related to inappropriate treatment of teammate Jonathan Martin, including racial slurs in voice and text messages. Martin left the Dolphins last month, checked into a hospital briefly and has not returned to the team.
The NFL is investigating whether Incognito harassed or bullied Martin. Incognito has said the conduct was all part of the normal locker room environment.
Incognito has missed one game, and the suspension by the team can last for four games. The Dolphins, who have not said how long Incognito is suspended, said they do not comment on grievances.
Martin is scheduled to meet Friday with Ted Wells, the independent investigator hired by the NFL. Dolphins owner Stephen Ross also plans to meet with Martin.
A second-year pro, Martin left the team because of what his attorney has alleged was daily harassment by teammates, including Incognito.
On Monday, Ross announced the formation of two committees to examine the Dolphins’ locker room culture. In recent days, players have been virtually unanimous in saying it doesn’t need to be changed.
