Dolphins owner Stephen Ross says he’s deeply concerned about the situation that has embroiled his football team since Richie Incognito was suspended after Jonathan Martin walked away, and Ross says he’s determined to get his franchise in line.
“What’s going on is something that couldn’t have been a worse nightmare,” Ross said.
Ross stressed that he wants Martin to know that the team cares about him and believes all of its players deserve respectful treatment at their workplace. Ross said he will have a face-to-face meeting with Martin on Wednesday.
“The most important thing is, we care about Jonathan Martin,” Ross said. “I have reached out to Jonathan Martin, I have texted him, we have communicated via text, and I plan to meet with him in person very shortly.”
Ross said he asked NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to appoint an investigator, rather than the Dolphins to investigate the matter themselves, because he wants everyone to know the investigation is independent.
“I reached out to the NFL because I knew an investigation had to take place,” Ross said. “Having an independent investigation, I thought, was very important.”
Ross said he wants Dolphins fans to know he’s committed to giving them a team they can be proud to support.
“I apologize to the fans for being in this position but I know we will come out of this a better organization,” Ross said.
Right now, the public perception of Ross’s team couldn’t get much worse.