National Football League

Miami weighs in on Martin's absence

Published Nov. 3, 2013 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

The Miami Dolphins issued a statement on Sunday morning in reference to second-year tackle Jonathan Martin, saying the organization has been in touch with him since his departure from the team.

Stating that, "as an organization, we take any accusations of player misconduct seriously," the statement reacted to reports asserting that Martin was being bullied by his teammates.

On Friday, a source told FOX Sports NFL Insider Alex Marvez that the NFL Players Association has been in touch with the Dolphins and people close to Martin to gather facts about what prompted him to leave the facility.

FOX Sports NFL insider Jay Glazer previously reported that Martin left the facility Monday after reacting badly to a lunch room prank by his teammates.

“The Miami Dolphins, including Coach Joe Philbin and Jonathan's teammates, have been in communication with Jonathan and his family since his departure from the club and continue to be in contact," the Dolphins' statement read. "Our primary concern for Jonathan is his overall health and well-being. As an organization, we take any accusations of player misconduct seriously. The notion of bullying is based on speculation and has not been presented to us as a concern from Jonathan or anyone else internally. The reports that the NFLPA is investigating our players are inaccurate. Additionally, the NFL offered its assistance during this time, which we appreciated and gladly accepted. We will continue to make Jonathan's health and well-being a focus as we do with all of our players."