Dolphins, NFL investigating claims of player misconduct made by Jonathan Martin

MIAMI The Miami Dolphins and the NFL are probing allegations of player misconduct made Sunday by representatives of Jonathan Martin, the second-year lineman who has left the team to receive help for emotional issues.

The announcement by the Dolphins came Sunday afternoon, and only a few hours after the team said the notion of wrongdoing was merely speculative. It was part of a busy day off for the team, one that included the posting of several tweets by offensive lineman Richie Incognito, who said he wants his name cleared after several reports linked him to the Martin matter.

"We received notification today from Jonathan's representation about allegations of player misconduct," the Dolphins' Sunday afternoon statement read. "We are taking these allegations very seriously and plan to review the matter further. We have also reached out to the NFL and asked them to conduct an objective and thorough review. As an organization, we are committed to a culture of team-first accountability and respect for one another."

The Dolphins resume practice Monday. Players and coach Joe Philbin are expected to be made available to the media in the afternoon.

Martin left the Dolphins on Oct. 28 in a way that raised questions about the role teasing from teammates played in his sudden departure. It's unclear whether or when Martin is expected back. The Dolphins (4-4) had the weekend off and next play at Tampa Bay on Nov. 11.

Earlier Sunday, the Dolphins said the team, "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. Our primary concern for Jonathan is his overall health and well-being."

The Dolphins have attributed Martin's absence to an illness not tied to football.

On Saturday, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press the NFL Players Association planned to look into the matter in the coming week.

Martin, a second-year pro from Stanford, played in Miami's loss at New England on Oct. 27 and was at the Dolphins' complex the next day before leaving the team. He missed Thursday night's victory over Cincinnati.