Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Jonathan Martin checked into a hospital to be treated for emotional stress after abruptly leaving the team, according to Chris Mortensen of ESPN. A second-year player, Martin's departure from the team last week was followed by multiple reports of bullying of young players within the organization.
Citing unnamed league sources, Mortensen reported on Wednesday that Martin had a brief hospital stay before returning to California with his parents. Dolphins coach Joe Philbin reportedly visited Martin while he was hospitalized.
“I should let you know that in all my discussions with Jonathan and members of his family, at no time were there any accusations of allegations of misconduct by any members of this team or this organization,” Philbin told reporters on Monday, via Dolphins official website. “Later on Sunday, we were contacted by one of his representatives where they in fact had some concerns over player conduct that had occurred. We immediately took those concerns very, very seriously."
Amid reports that he sent threatening voice and text messages containing racial slurs to Martin, offensive guard Richie Incognito was suspended by the team late Sunday.
The NFL Players Association is attempting to arrange a meeting between the agents for Martin and Incognito, reported Albert Breer of NFL.com on Monday.