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Dolphins assistant calls bullying story “overblown”

Miami Dolphins v Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 11: Owner Stephen Ross of the Miami Dolphins talks to the media about the NFL’s investigation of locker room practices before play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers November 11, 2013 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Al Messerschmidt

It certainly appeared that the Dolphins bullying scandal was a big deal, considering the owner came down from above to talk about it Monday night.

But not everyone in the organization feels that way.

Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald overheard a Dolphins coach say: “This is the most overblown story. Everybody knows Richie [Incognito] has a past.”

It’s possible both could be true, but the second part absolutely is, as Incognito’s reputation has only been underscored, not created by charges he bullied teammate Jonathan Martin.

And while it would be a surprise to hear someone within the team request more coverage of the embarrassing event, it’s also a tone-deaf statement to make.

When the owner’s creating as many committees as the team had rushing yards Monday night (two each), it needs to be taken seriously top to bottom.

Considering Beasley characterized the remark as something he overheard rather than an answer to a question, it’s clear that it’s being talked about behind the scenes in a manner inconsistent with the marching orders that will inevitably come down.