Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Dolphins Locker Room Situation May Cause Legal Troubles
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: November 18, 2013
Key Contacts
Back
Players in the National Football League are governed by the collective bargaining agreement, which is hashed out by the NFL Player’s Association and league owners. Athletes are offered certain protections under this agreement, and a breach could lead to legal troubles for the NFL.
It appears as though the NFL may have a problem on its hands with the recent troubles in the Miami Dolphin’s locker room. Jonathan Martin left the team as a result of alleged bullying by Richie Incognito. Hazing is not uncommon in football locker rooms, but it seems that this situation may have been severe enough to have legal implications.
Both Incognito and the Dolphins could be targeted in a lawsuit by Martin, as Florida law allows people to sue for monetary damages if they have “been intimidated or threatened” on the basis of “race or color,” according to ESPN. Meanwhile, the Dolphins may be sued for failure to provide a safe workplace.
Martin is prepared for legal action, as he and his family recently hired sports attorney David Cornwell for representation during the NFL’s investigation into the incident.
Cornwell has plenty of experience practicing sports law, as he is the Executive Director of the National Football League Coaches Association, which means he represents the interests of nearly 500 assistant coaches, according to the Sun-Sentinel. He’s also been an attorney in numerous high-profile cases, such as helping Major League Baseball star Ryan Braun avoid a 50-game suspension after allegedly testing positive for performance enhancing drugs in 2012.
The Dolphins case is different than any other, as most hazing is generally innocent enough to not require legal action, including making rookies dress up in costumes or carry pads off the field. But, this situation could have major implications for the future in sports. In fact, a sports law may be implemented to outlaw bullying and hazing to prevent any further instances where it goes too far.
- Industries: Entertainment & Media
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
What Founders Can Learn From Start-up Suits
High-profile founder litigation is more than just a media spectacle. For startup founders, these cases underscore the legal and structural risks that can arise when rapid growth outpaces formal oversight. While launching a new company can be both an exciting and deeply rewarding endeavor, founders must be mindful that it also comes with significant risks. […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Corporate Governance Reviews: A Practical Guide for New Jersey Companies
Every New Jersey company should periodically evaluate its governance framework. Strong corporate governance protects directors and officers, builds investor confidence, reduces litigation exposure, and positions a company for sustainable growth. The first quarter of the year is a great time to evaluate your corporate governance practices and perform any routine maintenance needed to keep that […]
Author: Ken Hollenbeck
What to Do After Being Served with a Lawsuit: Steps to Protect Your Legal Rights
Being served with a lawsuit is one of the most stressful legal events a business or individual can face. Whether the claim involves a contract dispute, an employment matter, an intellectual property issue, or another legal challenge, the actions you take in the first few days can significantly shape the outcome of your case. Acting […]
Author: Robert E. Levy
Will 2026 Be a Banner Year for SPACs? Understanding the Risks and Opportunities
Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) continue to gain momentum as we move through 2026. After enduring a significant contraction following the 2021 boom and the regulatory scrutiny that followed, SPAC activity rebounded sharply in 2025 and now carries forward into 2026 with real momentum. The SPAC resurgence reflects broader improvements in both market conditions and the […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Why Compliance Monitoring Matters for NY and NJ Businesses
Compliance programs are no longer judged by how they look on paper, but by how they function in the real world. Compliance monitoring is the ongoing process of reviewing, testing, and evaluating whether policies, procedures, and controls are being followed—and whether they are actually working. What Is Compliance Monitoring? In today’s heightened regulatory environment, compliance […]
Author: Dan Brecher
When Are New Jersey Business Owners Personally Liable for Corporate Debt?
New Jersey personal guaranty liability is a critical issue for business owners who regularly sign contracts on behalf of their companies. A recent New Jersey Supreme Court decision provides valuable guidance on when a business owner can be held personally responsible for a company’s debt. Under the Court’s decision in Extech Building Materials, Inc. v. […]
Author: Charles H. Friedrich
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.