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Former Dolphins coach Jim Turner suspended by Texas A&M for inappropriate jokes

The Bully Gate scandal tore apart the Miami Dolphins in the second half of the 2013 season, with Jonathan Martin alleging mistreatment from multiple teammates. An investigation finding Richie Incognito, John Jerry, and Mike Pouncey conducted in “bullying” of Martin was conducted by Ted Wells, who also conducted the investigation into the New England Patriots “Deflate Gate” scandal. Also in the findings was inappropriate behavior by Dolphins offensive line coach Jim Turner.

The Wells report on Bully Gate broke down some of Turner’s behavior:

Turner was aware of the running "joke" that Player A was gay, and on at least one occasion, he participated in the taunting. Around Christmas 2012, Coach Turner gave the offensive linemen gift bags that included a variety of stocking stuffers. The gifts included inflatable female dolls for all of the offensive linemen except Player A, who received a male "blow-up" doll. [Jonathan] Martin and another player reported that they were surprised Coach Turner did this; Martin further said that he was offended that Turner had endorsed the humiliating treatment of Player A by participating in it. Incognito and others agreed that this incident with Coach Turner occurred. When interviewed, Turner was asked if he gave Player A a male blow-up doll. He replied, ‘I can’t remember.’

Three years later, and Turner is in trouble again, this time being suspended from his role as the Texas A&M offensive line coach for making inappropriate, double-entendre types of jokes on slides during a football clinic for women:

Turner filed a lawsuit last year against Ted Wells for defamation, with hearings on that case as recently as last month.

The presentation also featured a re-written version of the Texas A&M War Hymn. The re-write is attributed to Turner and tight ends coach Jeff Banks, who was also part of the presentation and was likewise suspended by the team:

According to SB Nation, Turner has used this same type of presentation before, in his 2008 to 2011 stint with Texas A&M.

Texas A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin released a statement about the suspension of Turner and Banks:

“There is absolutely no place in our program or in our University community for inappropriate conduct or degrading comments towards women, or anyone, regardless of intent.

While I was in attendance at the Chalk Talk event this week, I was engaged in meeting participants, taking photographs and signing autographs and I was unaware of the contents of Jim and Jeff’s presentations until this morning. Upon learning of the details, I immediately consulted with Director of Athletics Scott Woodward, and made the decision that both Jim and Jeff will be suspended without pay for two weeks effective immediately and will serve 20 hours of community service. I have addressed the issue with both of them and have their commitment to be better representatives of our program.

On behalf of Aggie Football, I want to apologize for the comments at Chalk Talk and also for my failure to review their individual presentations. I want to thank the almost 700 women who came out this week who not only participated in the program but who supported a worthy cause in the Twin City Mission.”

The two coaches issued a joint statement as well:

"We want to sincerely apologize to the passionate Aggie fans and to women everywhere for our failed attempt at humor during this week's Aggie Football Chalk Talk and fundraiser. We clearly understand now that our comments and slides were not appropriate or consistent with the values of our football program or our Department. We must do better, and we will."

Turner clearly did not learn from his experience with the Dolphins and how badly that situation blew up in his face.



This post first appeared on The Phinsider, A Miami Dolphins Community, please read the originial post: here

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Former Dolphins coach Jim Turner suspended by Texas A&M for inappropriate jokes

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