“...[T]he NFL locker room is in some ways no different than any other workplace in America...”
Venable associate Nick Reiter was quoted in a November 9, 2013 New York Times article on the bullying controversy surrounding the Miami Dolphins football team. Dolphins guard Richie Incognito has been suspended by the team indefinitely following allegations that he bullied teammate Jonathan Martin and used racial slurs. Martin has since left the team and the NFL is investigating the situation.
“What the story of Jonathan Martin teaches us is that the NFL locker room is in some ways no different than any other workplace in America, because all employers should proactively protect themselves against workplace bullying,” Reiter said. “Employers are charged with running a workplace free of discrimination and harassment based on their workers’ race, gender or other legally protected characteristic.”
So far no one involved has taken legal action and all sides are likely waiting for the NFL’s official report before making a move. “The report could be a big moment in the bargaining power of one side or another,” Reiter added.